Penguin Classics: The Most Venerable Book (Shang Shu)

‘A leader Should be loved. Who Should be feared? The people.’

The Most Venerable Book is one of the most sacred works of Chinese civilization. It has been read for over 1300 years as an essential guide to good governance, with its prestige stemming from the belief that it had been assembled by Confucius himself. Describing heroic figures and key events from China’s past, this chronicle of changing dynasties, benevolent rulers, sagacious ministers and vicious tyrants extols the virtues of good kingship, and the need for those who restrain the powerful to maintain the order of the cosmos. This fluid modern translation breathes new life to an ancient text that still shows how to govern, and live, well.

Translated with an Introduction by Martin Palmer