A superb modern translation of one of the most famous Chinese texts in history.Formed in a time of great unrest in ancient China, The Analects is vital to an understanding of Chinese history and thought, and 2500 years later, it remains startlingly relevant to contemporary life.Highly regarded for the poetic fluency he brings to his award-winning work, David Hinton's translation is inviting and immensely readable. This edition is complete and unabridged.Confucius, the 'great sage' of China, believed that an ideal society is based on humanity, benevolence and goodness. His profoundly influential philosophy is encapsulated in The Analects, a collection of sayings which were written down by his followers. Confucius advocates an ethical social order, woven together by selfless and supportive relationships between friends, families, and communities. He taught that living by a moral code based on education, ritual, respect, and integrity will bring peace to human society.Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library, a series of stunning, cloth-bound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover.