Few people have written about the Li Family Genealogy, but Mr. Christensen has supplied much of the original content, most of it translated into English. He makes arguments that I have not previously seen made by other authors tying original nodes in the development of Taijiquan thought and practice often to specific individuals.
The genealogy gives us historical context for our art, and I’d rather base that context on reality than on a fantasy. It provides a foundation for linking your style of taijiquan, regardless of style into history.
The translation and the narrative are quite readable. I thought it was worth my time to read. It may not revolutionize your Taijiquan, but for those of us who like to understand the historical context of our art, it is essential.
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Outstanding clear descriptive reporting of information of the art I’ve been studying, practicing for twenty-six years. Very enlightening and the first I’ve heard of The Li family connected with the origins of Tao Chi. Thank you!
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The book opened a whole new vista of information on the families in Tai Chi very helpful and in site full
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This is an academic book of an academic translation of historical documents. The inclusion of the primary Chinese source documents adds credibility to this work. In true academic tradition the author translates to the apparent style and structure of the original.
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Excellent read. If you want to know about the new manuscript discoveries and the reverence of the Li family to the history of taijiquan, then add this to your library.
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Not only is there new lineage information, but new and familiar Tai Chi classics are included.
These are included in the original Chinese and English translations.
This is an impressive work of research and scholarship with the sources fully documented.
If you are interested in the history of Tai Chi and the classic literature of Tai Chi, this book is a valuable resource.
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Lars Bo Christensen has succeeded in providing the lay person with an excellent reference guide for understanding the complex variety in forms and origins of tai chi. He is supported by original texts and he provides his translation methods. The variety of detail allows one to further investigate known and new texts from other sources. A great first book for anyone interested in history, culture, and tai chi.
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A wonderful book containing new historical evidence about Tai Chi. This is essential information for everyone in Tai Chi, especially as we are presented with newly found information where it is now possible to trace the history of Tai Chi much further back in history. Not only do we get an account of this important information, but we also get a translation of the newly found Tai Chi texts from 1590. Lars Bo Christensen avoid making the history heavy and long, but instead tell a very compelling and interesting story.
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the history chapter is, of course, important and it is surprising to say the least. The conclusion that Chen Style was not the first is perhaps going to disappoint some, but it will also please many to know that Taijiquan came from a Daoist monastery, although it was not one on the Wudang Mountain. The book does not claim to know the one person who invented Taijiquan, but points to an even earlier root in Daoism. It broke my heart to read about the demolition of the monastery, the Cultural Revolution was a very dark chapter in China’s history.
There are quite a few pictures in the book, many of which I hadn’t seen before.
I recommend this book to anyone who is serious about their study in Taijiquan.
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When the temple where destroyed around 1950 the text where saved and hidden to surface in 2006. Those documents and Lars Bo Christensen’s own writing makes it’s a fantastic read. This the only translation of the texts so far, and a very competent one at that. Before that the history was really only legend and then some schools claim to be the originators, like Chen style. But they all where there in the temple, that is where they all learned their Tai Chi, the Chen, the Wu and the Yang, the old schools of Tai Chi all has their roots here.
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Gives a totally new insight to the background, philosophy and history of Taijiquan.
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Great research!, very easy to understand translation, This is worth much more than the small price for this book., Interesting reading about the newly discovered facts revealing unknown part of the early history of Tai Chi. Must read for every martial artist interested in the history of the art.
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Very thorough, and much enjoyed.
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The information provided have is clear and concise. Careful study has been put in to make this an excellent study on the origin and progression of Tai Chi.
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This is an excellent book about the history of Tai Chi and some of its greatest matter. I think that anyone who practices Tai Chi could benefit from reading this fine book.
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This incredible book will be of great interest to Tai Chi practitioners, martial arts historians, and those interested in Asian culture. Highly recommended.