The Analects of Confucius: A Philosophical Translation (Classics of Ancient China) Paperback – September 7, 1999

I can't comment on the translation as this is not my field. Reviewing from Joe Schmoe's point of view.Ames provides historical context and constructs a framework at the beginning of the book with which to think about Confucius's teachings. The framework is applied consistently throughout this book, making it not only a much more enjoyable read but one where the meaning of translation comes to life. I am very thankful that Ames wrote this book as it has allowed me a glimpse into my heritage.

There are some real nuggets.Broken up into many small entries, although it doesn't help continuity it is perfect when you are waiting for a meeting to start.A difficult read, but, the ability to look up words right in the document is very helpful.

The chapters on the cultural/linguistic problems involved in translating Classical Chinese texts and whether the Chinese ever produced "philosophy" are more than worth the price of this book.Puruse the sayings of the Master carefully with close attention to the invaluable notes and a different world is opened. This is philosophy, Jim. But not as we know it.

Roger Ames and Henry Rosemont offer a new translation of this Chinese classic of Confucius. While I am not qualified to comment on the accuracy or integrity of the translation, Ames and Rosemont have explained and offered justifications for their translations quite thoroughly. The result is an informative version of this classic text attributed to Confucius. Heavily discussing the ethics of ritual propriety and the need to be a "junzi" or "exemplary person", Confucius believed in wisdom and the law of reciprocity (the "silver rule"). Clearly he was concerned with preserving a moral tradition extracted from the collective understanding of the past. While parts of Ames and Rosemont's introduction are tedious and could be better written, overall they have made a valuable contribution to the understanding of Confucian thought.

Extremely well presented with Hanzi for reference

Everyone should read this book. I recommend taking notes in the sides of the pages to look back at later and also to see how your views change as you move along in the book and think more and more!

If you are a University of Hawaii student studying Chinese or Philosophy, you will be reading this. Be aware that while Ames has done a lot of great work in Chinese Philosophy, he is really doing 20th century postmodernism on a Chinese background. After reading this one might think that Confucius belongs to the same school as Derrida, Foucault and Rorty. That is as absurd as it gets. But academics do not make a name for themselves being correct (outside of the hard sciences that is). If they were correct, they would simply answer questions in a way that satisfactory to readers and move on to the harder questions. Instead, they rise to the top of their fields by being wrong in the cleverest way imaginable and that is what Ames has done. So a generation of American students and scholars are being taught that Confucius would be right at home with some 1970's style sophistry. It is actually kind of funny now that I think about it. I guess when you start with the premise that "truth" is a social construct, you can believe anything.

The "wisdom" and "patience" in which Confucius analyzed each and every situation was very appealing to me. It causes one to "reflect" on every situation before acting or dismissing any topic that may be encountered.