This unique edition of the Tao Te Ching features:

* the first comprehensive verbatim translation of the entire text of the Tao Te Ching;
* literal character definitions that allow the reader to create his or her own interpretation;
* a concordance section that enables the reader to track the different ways a single character is used throughout the work;
* grammatical and interpretive notes on individual terms and verses; * a unique commentary on the first verse, which represents a complete spiritual teaching in itself; and
* a literary translation of the Tao Te Ching that can be read on its own or compared with the verbatim translation.