Thomas Michael

In the Shadows of the Dao: Laozi, the Sage, and the Daodejing Thomas Michael

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Biographical Note: Thomas Michael specializes in early Chinese religion, philosophy, and shamanism, and is the author of "The Pristine Dao: Metaphysics in Early Daoist Discourse," also published by SUNY Press. Review Quotes: Michael s work provides a fresh and innovative methodological approach to a well-known and much studied text. Unlike the vast majority of previous studies, which situate the "Daodejing" in an ahistorical philosophical realm divorced from ritual and practice, Michael s analysis takes seriously the possibility that the text both contains and advocates for self-transformative practices. In addition, his translation, while not intended to be a stand-alone work, significantly contributes another important perspective. This excellent, groundbreaking book lays the foundation for a new round of vigorous debate and scholarly attention. Jeffrey Dippmann, coeditor of "Riding the Wind with Liezi: New Perspectives on the Daoist Classic"" Contributor Bio:  Michael, Thomas Thomas Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Master of Arts degree in economics and has maintained the world coin values in all Krause Publications' world coin references for over 25 years. His interest in Numismatics stretches back to childhood and has lead him to be a part of the production of more than 100 price guides, many of them award winning.