I Ching: The Book of Change (Shambhala Pocket Library)

The “I Ching” is the most ancient Chinese classic.The “I Ching” inspired Lao Tzu’s “Tao Te Ching” and Sun Tzu’s “Art of War.”Confucius, Albert Einstein, and Steve Jobs studied the “I Ching.”The “I Ching” is worth reading and re-reading.NOTE: This review is for “I Ching - The Book of Change,” translated by Thomas Cleary, ISBN 978-1-59030-403-7.

The translation makes no sense whatsoever. There are grammar errors throughout and the translator appears to have translated word for word with no consideration to making the end result readable or understandable.Also, the book is incredibly tiny. Much smaller than any "pocket" book I've ever had before.

As others here note, this is a handy reference for the experienced user. Beginners would do better with Hilary Barrett, or perhaps R. L Wing or Carol Anthony (among others).Shambhala shows a publication date of 1992; I suspect this is a much earlier work by Cleary, who's reputation rests on clear and accurate translation rather than poetic indulgence. The text here -- the source of which is never stated -- is rather clunky and obtuse, recounting the Confucian epigrammatic description, judgment, and image for each of the 64 hexagrams along with commentaries on the changing lines. Those generally familiar with the I Ching will soon be at home with this bare-bones political manual stripped of Victorian-era sentimentality (via to Legge and Wilhelm) and pop-psychological/new age fluffiness (thanks to latter-day Jungians), and might gain some useful insights. New users will be less than edified by commentaries such as "If you fasten something with the hide of a yellow ox, nothing can unloosen it."The introductory text, though insightful, seems to be written for academics; the book ends with a "List of Hexagrams with their Primal Correlates and Structural Complements." What this means and why the reader should care is not explained.In sum: It is indeed a handy pocket guide for those who (like me) cogitate on hexagrams and do an occasional cast throughout the day, and like to have a concise source-book on hand. Beginners would do well to build their libraries on more accessible texts before acquiring this one.

Lovely cute little I Ching Book. It's really small... perfect for a stocking stuffer or I Ching student traveler. I Ching divinations on the go you say? Why yes... of course. (Try on, I bet you make a new friend in 5 minutes.). This little guy is packed with info, and remember, you can NEVER have enough different books on the I Ching. ;-)

This is probably my least favorite translation of the I Ching (I have about three others). It is such a dry and literal translation it is almost unusable.Example:"Predominance of the great is when the great or almighty predominate.The ridgepole bending symbolizes weakness at the basis and in outgrowths."The only reason I keep it is because it is, indeed portable. However, I find myself using it more as a guide for the hexagram numbers, (which I have come to know fairly well) NOT the readings themselves.For what its worth, I have personally found Brian Walker Browne's translation/interpretation to be by far the wisest and most readable version of the I Ching. I never leave home without it.

been consulting the I Ching over the years and find the insights thoughtful and helpful .... can be a positive tool for life and enjoyment. Makes one a little less compulsive.

I mean really!!! It's the I CHING! I love the size as the person I purchased it for can carry in his pocket

This book works with both bamboo I-Ching sticks and with coins. It is small but mighty.

This is a really nice pocket size copy of the I Ching, I do not agree with reviewers who say it is too small. The print is a perfectly normal size and easy to read. The one drawback is that the book doesn't tell you how to consult the book using yarrow stalks, coins or dice.

What a great little book; it's so convenient for keeping in pocket or handbag for on-the-spot consultations and, though small, is easily readable. A well-organised text with simple-to-understand instructions for making the most of the contents and immediately accessible for readers new to the I Ching. And a great present.

A good book and I am enjoying it thought it was much bigger but its good. Would def recommend.postage and packing great.

When it says pocket classics, it actually means that fits into your T-shirt/Polo chest pocket. Book is what I wanted just really annoying to read from a book smaller than your hand palm.

All perfect, Thank you!