I Ching: The Oracle by Kerson Huang | Goodreads
I Ching: The Oracle
by
Kerson Huang,
Rosemary Huang,
Anonymous
4.14 · Rating details · 56 ratings · 6 reviews
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Paperback, 207 pages
Published January 10th 1987 by Workman Publishing Company (first published August 31st 1984)
ISBN
0894803190 (ISBN13: 9780894803192)
Jul 17, 2007Scott rated it really liked it
My personal favorite translation, even though I rarely consult the I Ching anymore.
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Jul 05, 2018James Berghout rated it really liked it
Not just another translation of the I Ching (yijing). The Huangs do their best to plumb the depths of the original...often succeeding.
flagLike · comment · see review
Jun 06, 2016Brandon rated it it was amazing
Shelves: historical, philosophy, read-it-again
This version of the I Ching does an excellent job of sorting out the original oracular poetry from the later Taoist and Confucian changes made to the book of changes. I hadn't realized how many of the hexagrams in their original form reference historical events, nor how much the original had gotten hidden away behind first Taoist metaphysics and then later both eclipsed by Confucian ideals.
In addition to the very enjoyable and enlightening introductory chapters, each hexagram is laid out with the left page being the original I Ching and the right side giving the two later versions. That's oversimplifying, since it is made clear that there is probably no such thing as the actual original, but at least it's also clear that the metaphysical and social commentary parts were added much later. Which isn't to say that the added parts aren't also worth reading, just that they are commentary rather than the "original" I Ching.
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Aug 31, 2008Michael rated it liked it
This translation of the I Ching (Book of Changes) is an easily accessible translation. It captures the poetic language and imagery of the writing. It is well-organized for the casual user to cast fortunes and seek answers. But it is worth reading for an insight into such a historically important and ancient book.
flagLike · comment · see review
May 16, 2012David rated it it was amazing
Brutally honest and direct. Empathy recommended.
flagLike · comment · see review
Jun 06, 2016Michael rated it liked it
Shelves: philosophy
Roll the bones, baby, roll the bones.
===
===
I Ching: The Oracle
by
Kerson Huang,
Rosemary Huang,
Anonymous
4.14 · Rating details · 56 ratings · 6 reviews
GET A COPYKobo
Online Stores ▾
Book Links ▾
Paperback, 207 pages
Published January 10th 1987 by Workman Publishing Company (first published August 31st 1984)
ISBN
0894803190 (ISBN13: 9780894803192)
Jul 17, 2007Scott rated it really liked it
My personal favorite translation, even though I rarely consult the I Ching anymore.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 05, 2018James Berghout rated it really liked it
Not just another translation of the I Ching (yijing). The Huangs do their best to plumb the depths of the original...often succeeding.
flagLike · comment · see review
Jun 06, 2016Brandon rated it it was amazing
Shelves: historical, philosophy, read-it-again
This version of the I Ching does an excellent job of sorting out the original oracular poetry from the later Taoist and Confucian changes made to the book of changes. I hadn't realized how many of the hexagrams in their original form reference historical events, nor how much the original had gotten hidden away behind first Taoist metaphysics and then later both eclipsed by Confucian ideals.
In addition to the very enjoyable and enlightening introductory chapters, each hexagram is laid out with the left page being the original I Ching and the right side giving the two later versions. That's oversimplifying, since it is made clear that there is probably no such thing as the actual original, but at least it's also clear that the metaphysical and social commentary parts were added much later. Which isn't to say that the added parts aren't also worth reading, just that they are commentary rather than the "original" I Ching.
(less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Aug 31, 2008Michael rated it liked it
This translation of the I Ching (Book of Changes) is an easily accessible translation. It captures the poetic language and imagery of the writing. It is well-organized for the casual user to cast fortunes and seek answers. But it is worth reading for an insight into such a historically important and ancient book.
flagLike · comment · see review
May 16, 2012David rated it it was amazing
Brutally honest and direct. Empathy recommended.
flagLike · comment · see review
Jun 06, 2016Michael rated it liked it
Shelves: philosophy
Roll the bones, baby, roll the bones.
===
From other countries
Michael Doherty
5.0 out of 5 stars The I Ching, without the Confucian baggage.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 October 2016
Verified Purchase
This is a valuable translation/interpretation which is stripped of all the Confucian baggage that the original has attracted. It is probably closer to the original than other versions, and I was intrigued that it was written by a Professor of Physics and his wife, a poet. This partnership has revealed the stark poetic form of the original. There are some 70 pages of history, guidance, and explanations of the basics, followed by the translation of the text. And yes, it is stark and none the worse for that.
This is a version more suited to those who have been studying the Yi for some time, and who will appreciate the power of the short, sharp Commentaries, Judgements and Yao.
I like it.
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auati
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Version of the I-Ching
Reviewed in the United States on 15 August 2001
Verified Purchase
The Problem with the I Ching is that you can't tell which version to buy without reading the actual text from the book, which you can not do over the computer. You actually need to go to a physical store and compare the different translations of the I-Ching and see which version suits you best, BUT THIS VERSION IS THE BEST. Its the one I bought after going to the store and reading and comparing the other versions.
The text is so much more readable and understandable than the other versions of the I-Ching they sell. It at times seems like someone who knows what you are doing is talking to you when you ask a question and then read the text from this book. Its not a jumble of confusion like the other versions. That is what made me buy the book.
Other versions of the I- Ching have lines that can not be understood, and didn't seem to realate to the question i asked. Every line of text in this book is clear to read, understand and I could usually just read the sentences and know how they related to the question I asked. That is not always true with the I ching. When the sentences in the other I-ching books don't make sense you have to figure them out before you can even apply them to your question. That does not happen with this book. It reads like someone is "talking" to you. The sentences just make sense.
Also, there is a very easy to undersand chart in the back of the book on how to form a hexagram some books leave this out or the chart is difficult to understand. In summary this book makes the I- Ching understandable.
14 people found this helpful
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Diogenes
5.0 out of 5 stars Very impressive
Reviewed in the United States on 5 January 2017
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This version is the most "authentic" one out there. For a scholarly reading there's really no other choice. Heck, for any non superstitious reading this is the best choice. Even if you're into woo spirituality nonsense this is the best book. It's completely stripped of all the accreted nonsense that has been attached over the years. All the other translations are garbage.
If you want the REAL I Ching, this is it.
There is no other choice.
It doesn't have the confucian ten wings commentary so you'll have to think for yourself... but trust me. It's better that way.
2 people found this helpful
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James French
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, poetic translation
Reviewed in the United States on 1 April 2001
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This translation of the I Ching presents a starkly beautiful, poetic explanation of the hexagrams. I got more insight in the few hours of work I did with this book in two months of previous research.
The book also contains a fairly indepth summary of the I Chings history. This section is enjoyable in its own right, and helps to clear up some of the more ponderous references contained in the oracle. For instance, the allusion to drinking a cup of wine as a penalty refers to a game. There are many such little bits of cultural history woven into the translation.
The section on physics and the I Ching is interesting, though a bit dry. In context, however, this brings more life to the book. It helps ground the oracle in the present day while looking toward the ancient origins of this facsinating oracle.
I highly reccomend this translation.
7 people found this helpful
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F.G. Breckenridge
2.0 out of 5 stars I will never use this.
Reviewed in the United States on 3 November 2020
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I was completely ill-informed by what this is. It's not like the I Ching I'm used to. The reviews sounded good but this is not anything like what I thought. Buyer beware
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Legendary Element
4.0 out of 5 stars corrected lookup grid/chart
Reviewed in the United States on 5 September 2021
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I purchased a used copy and was fortunate to receive the insert with the corrected trigrams in the top row. Hope this helps anyone with the older edition.
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EricTJ
2.0 out of 5 stars Wilhelm / Baynes version is a lot better.
Reviewed in the United States on 5 September 2015
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I bought this based on reviews thinking it would be a bit easier to work with than my old The I Ching, or, Book of Changes by Wilhelm and Baynes but after comparing the two I feel that latter is much better as for each hexagram it paints a picture giving deeper insight. Huang's version also had some line interpretations that were just way off.
One person found this helpful
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Sven Christensen
5.0 out of 5 stars A chinese on The book of China
Reviewed in the United States on 23 September 2014
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From little boy in China Kerson Huang learnt the I Ching; his father used it as is custom in China. He have mastered keepin' the translation down to the authentical basic and yet he gives easy understandable hints in how to relate to it. Ekcelent !
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shopgirl
5.0 out of 5 stars Great edition of this book
Reviewed in the United States on 10 August 2013
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Glad I was able to get it! My copy was falling apart and wasn't sure this would still be available. Worked out very well
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H. Smith
3.0 out of 5 stars Cut to the bone
Reviewed in the United States on 26 September 2009
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I'll begin by saying that dealing with the seller was entirely satisfactory. The book itself, Kerson Huang's translation of the I Ching, is a flawed effort. Huang's long introductory chapters are engaging, literate, and informative. The actual body of the text is so spare, so lean, that there is little left to trigger the reader's own intuitive faculties. Huang's version of the I Ching strips away all of the Confucian commentaries and narratives, which is his goal. What is left is really not functional as a book of divination.
I would recommend Huang's introductory material highly, and for this reason I do not regret the purchase. When it comes to practical divination, it will be necessary to look to other translations with more flesh on the bone.
3 people found this helpful
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