The most widely translated work in world literature after the Bible, Tao Te Ching or the Book of the Way is the classic text of Taoism, the ancient Chinese school of thought. Believed to be written by Lao-Tzu, the father of Taoism, Tao Te Ching applies timeless wisdoms on themes as diverse as statesmanship, ecology and love, and aims to give readers a serene and generous spirit. Stephen Mitchell s acclaimed new translation of the book's 81 homilies reveals as never before the gem-like lucidity and the pure poetry of this manual of the art of living from China of fourth century BC.