The Original I Ching (9780804857383)

A groundbreaking new translation of the Book of Changes—the world's earliest-known divination system!

"… an important book, not only because it is the first interpretation, ever, by a woman in a wholly male-dominated field, but because of its freshness and directness…A delight." —Richard Burns, poet

"Having this ancient text restored to its original form is something very valuable indeed." — New Age Retailer

The Original I Ching presents a far more accurate and authentic version of the ancient Chinese Book of Changes, removing gender biases added by later Confucian commentators who operated in a heavily patriarchal society. This translation is based on recent archeological findings of tens of thousands of oracle bones dating back to when the text was first developed, when women were equal in status to men. It is the first English translation to present the original meaning of the text.

Each entry is followed by page numbers referencing other well-known translations by Lynn, Shaughnessy and Wilhelm/Baynes to allow readers to do their own comparative readings. Various methods of casting and reading are provided, along with assistance in interpreting the advice received. The full Chinese text is included along with a list of recommended readings and a finding chart.

This new paperback edition includes a new foreword by John S. Major, professor emeritus at Dartmouth College, who explains the social context of the I Ching divination system in ancient China as well as how it is used by practitioners today. A new expanded appendix helps novices make the most of their readings.


About the Author:
Dr. Margaret J. Pearson studied Chinese literature with Hellmut Wilhelm, and history with Jack Dull and Chan Hok-la. She has taught Chinese history and thought for over forty years at Skidmore College, the New School for Social Research, Pace University, State University of New York (Albany) and Marymount Manhattan College. She has been elected to life membership at Clare Hall, Cambridge University and to membership in the Early China Seminar at Columbia University.

Dr. John S. Major, formerly professor of Asian studies at Dartmouth College, is an independent scholar based in New York City. He has published extensively in the field of early Chinese intellectual history, including a translation of the Huainanzi.