The Analects Of Confucius Author:Arthur Waley The Analects of Confucius is one of the central books of Chinese literature and Chinese thought; memorized and studied for many centuries, it has been certainly one of the most influential books in world history. There are many translations of this rewarding but difficult work. Arthur Waley -- the translator of the "Tale of Genji", of a vast b... more »ody of Chinese poetry, and of many other classics of Oriental literature and thought -- brings to this translation his great gifts as a scholar and a writer, and has produced what is without question the best version in English of the "Analects". A full introduction gives the social and political background of this work, analyses of key terms in Chinese thought that are prominent in it, and a careful study of the history of the book and its interpretations. There are also full notes illuminating the references to contemporary events and clarifying obscure passages. "All Mr. Waley's previous Oriental work has been acclaimed and treasured; and this fresh rendering of the "Analects" may come to be accepted as his richest gift: fresh in time and treatment." The Listener.« less