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 body 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.

A renowned translator and critic, Arthur Waley was born in 1889 and educated at Rugby, King’s College, Cambridge. From 1912-30 he was the assistant keeper of prints and drawings at the British Museum. He is credited with bringing many classic works of Chinese and Japanese literature (including The Tale of Genji) to Western readers for the first time. Arthur Waley died in 1966.