One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2012 Smith's book succeeds admirably in making the history and importance of this esoteric and enigmatic classic accessible and understandable to a wide audience. A must read for anyone interested in fathoming 'the Way' (Tao/Dao) in ancient China.
Choice Smith's book demonstrates that if the Book of Changes is anything, it ... Read moreis alive.
James Carter, Los Angeles Review of Books His biography is, at every turn, full of scholarship.
Jon Sweeney, Tablet One of the advantages to this book is Smith's prose; not only is it clear and accessible, but he writes in a way that brings the material to life. He is an engaging writer... This 'biography' of the Yijing is an attractive and thorough resource. It should prove to be a useful addition to any library (academic or not) and a valuable help in any high school or college courses that incorporate study of the Yijing in any classroom context.
Robert Steed, Education About Asia [N]ever before in English has the substance of this vital text been explicated with such transparency, lucidity, and
on balance
objectivity. However, even in charitably demystifying it, Smith has simultaneously retained and even enhanced the compelling attraction of this ever-tantalizing essentialist work for the would-be initiated. Such is a balancing act deftly executed, for which we should commend the author lavishly.
Don J. Wyatt, Journal of Chinese Religions Smith's biography does what an introduction should do: encourage the reader to want to know more and provide a smooth over-arching conceptual framework, in economic fashion, through which one may understand the details. It would, therefore, be a helpful tool in a university course on Eastern or World religions and is highly recommended.
Stephanie L. Derrick, Relegere Smith offers an unparalleled biography of the most revered book in China's entire cultural tradition, and he shows us how this enigmatic ancient classic has become a truly global phenomenon.
RSR, Buddhism Now This work serves both as a sinologically sound exposition of East Asia's Yijing, and a fearless foray into the West's endless fixations on the Yi's malleable meanings.
Russell Kirkland, Religious Studies Review To all [I Ching] aficionados and many others, Richard J. Smith's book, The I Ching: A Biography, will be usefully informative.
Yu Liu, European Legacy Show Less