Lao Tzu was the father of Taoism. In his Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu outlined the basic concept of Tao. Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu were Lao Tzu's most important followers who expounded and expanded the basic principles set forth by Lao Tzu. Together, the sayings of these three sages, which make up this volume, are the foundations for the philosophy of Tao.

The translations of the works of these ancient Chinese sages by Lionel and Herbert Giles are very highly regarded and considered by many to be the definitive English translations. Lionel's translation of The Sayings of Lao Tzu (1905),...