As one of the pilots of Jolly Green 67 I simply want to thank Dr. Castle for his comprehensive and historical accurate account of the events at Lima Site 85. This is a story that begged to be told; Dr. Castle pulls no punches, providing a riveting and revealing account. His work was a key factor in the eventual recognition of the heroic efforts of Sgt. Etchberger at the Enlisted Hertiage Hall, Maxwell AFB Annex (formally Gunter AFS), Montgomery AL. A great read.

Congratulations to Dr. Castle for this fine book. A meticulously researched historical work of the finest order that reads like a Tom Clancy action novel. A bombshell that exposes one of the most egregious and hitherto publicly undisclosed tragedies of the Vietnam War. In March 1968 an NVA sapper team avoided detection and attacked a top-secret radar bombing facility (code name Jolly Green) which was manned by sixteen "civilianized" Air Force technicians. The site, LS 85, was located on a mountain top in Laos less than twenty-five miles from the North Vietnam border. The attack caught the technicians off guard and resulted in the loss of the site to the communist forces. Two of those dedicated volunteers manning the site were confirmed killed, five were rescued alive (one died on the evacuation flight) and the remaining nine have never been accounted for and their status remains unknown. This incident holds the distinction of being the largest single loss of Air Force ground personnel during the entire Vietnam War. Why did the Air Force continue to operate this site in the face of considerable evidence the site would soon fall under bombardment and attack by large NVA forces gathering in the area? Was it incompetence or was the site considered so essential to the North Vietnam bombing effort that the loss of the men was an acceptable risk? Dr. Castle looks at these questions in detail. One Day Too Long chronicles the history of Site 85 from its initial concept of operations through the tragic consequence of this miscalculation. But the story does not stop there. It also relates the stoic efforts by one widow to find answers to questions about her husbands death at this site the government was unwilling to provide. This book should be mandatory reading for all future military leaders.

I have a very personal reaction to "One Day Too Long" in that Mel and Ann Holland were our military sponsors when my family and I were first assigned to an AC&W squadron in southern Spain in early 1961, and I worked with Mel until he rotated to the States. It is embarrassing and shameful to learn how both the military and civilian authorities were willing to sacrifice those men in order to cover up their own mistakes, but I suppose if ALL the truth were known about SE Asia operations, we would not be able to stand it. Dr. Castle has perfomed an invaluable service for democracy. EVERYBODY should read this book! (Ann, we'd love to hear from you!)

Offers a wealth of information about traditional Vietnamese culture and society...essential reading

Stories that American have been reluctant to listen to-non-American participants' stories of the horrors of the Vietnam War itself, of escape from new but undemocratic countries, of conflict-ridden adjustment...personal details about the effects of the war...Scott's collection is prefaced by a dramatic frontispiece, a painting by a Vietnamese artist that depicts boat people on the high seas, titles "A people forced to go a dangerous drama across feats of darkness and turbulent seas in favor of freedom." Collected from Cambodians, Laotians, and Vietnamese in Philippine refugee camps in October 1985 [through] May 1 1986, these twenty-five stories are the testimonies closest in time to many of the events they describes. Scott identifies empathetically with the refugees' search for "the freedom land," as well as with those who failed to come here. In lengthy appendices, she provides maps of the Laotian reeducation camps and memorializing lists of those who have disappeared in them. Pictures of the refugees in the Philippine camps supplement the written stories. Some narratives are told by camp advisors; some are presented by "Name Withheld." While one story was given to Scott "in perfect English," others were told only through an interpreter. Scott presents her subjects' narratives entire, occasionally segmented by asterisks, with provocative titles ("The Hope of Ho Chi Minh Is Fallen Now") and with brief headnotes characterizing the individual or the historical situation. The narratives are occasionally quite long; almost all are organized chronologically... Here is Khamsamong Somvong, a former first lieutenant in the Royal Lao army: "In the seminar camp there were a few men who were Communists. They were there to execute the policy of the Politburo. And it was they who decided who should be killed in the camp. We were supposed to respect the Party only. If one of the Communists said, 'This is red,' we had to say, 'Yes, this is red.' If we said, 'No, this is black,' we would be killed. So I lived a very hard life in there. I saw many people killed before me."--Oral History Review 21/2 (Winter, 1993)

Indochina's refugees, who in jungle death camps felt the chill of the heart or saw life turn cold in crowded boats, give their harrowing stories in this collection

Morrison interviewed a lot of Hmong participants in those last days, as well as American pilots Jack Knotts, Dave Kouba, etc. Eye-opening insight into the abandonment of one of America's most clandestine installations of the secret war in Laos. Detailed accounts of Matt Hoff's and Les Strouse's final flights into 'LS20 Alternate' as well. Some truly rare photos -- Long Tien in 1972, '73, '74, '75. Knotts and Kouba at the evacuation ramp on May 14, 1975, the last day. The Hmong -- from top leader Vang Pao to in-the-street tribespeople, no less proud, and no less tragic.

Finally, a haunting pair of photos -- top secret Long Tien in 1973, and another one, as mysterious as ever, from exactly the same angle and height (about 1000 feet above the runway), in 1995.

A compact, tightly-woven and compelling tale.

I truly enjoyed this book. I came away with a very different point of view. I was directly involved with the evacuation of DaNang, Nha Trang and Saigon in April '75 and to some extent in Loas in May of the same year and saw the refugees, in mass panic carrying babies and what possessions they could, trying to flee before the communists came. Gayle related the evacuation of Long Chen (20A) from the eyes of the Hmong refugees. It is a view that I never saw and hope that I never have to witness again.

There will be many people (beside the Hmong) thankful that someone has taken the time to record this important event in history. The book has a distinct niche (human) in my education on the "happenings" in Laos. This is my fifth Laos subject book and is a must read! USAF in Thailand '69 veteran.

"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao."

So begins this version of the Tao Te Ching. This book provides an experience of the Tao like few others. First, there is the blank page. Lots of white space. The absence, the void.

"The Tao is an empty vessel; it is used, but never filled."

"Profit comes from what is there, / Usefulness from what is not there."

Emptiness is the vessel which contains the words and images of this experience. Each chapter is written in both English and Chinese. I don't even pretend read Chinese, but the characters evoke a sense of something beyond ...

"The form of the formless / the image of the imageless / it is called indefinable and beyond imagination."

The English translation reads smoothly. This is not the awkward prose frequently stumbled over when a scholar attempts to reproduce the ambiguities of the original in a foreign tongue. These words play smoothly together. The text does

"not tinkle like jade / or clatter like stone chimes."

The final element in this alchemy is the photographs:

"Less and less is done / until non-action is achieved. / When nothing is done, nothing is left undone."

Absent in this volume are the reams of footnotes which clutter most Taos I've read. Absent, too, are chapters on historical background and the relationship to Confucianism. If you seek these things, seek elsewhere.

For me, this book has opened a way to the Tao.

It is hardly difficult to understand the enduring quality of the Tao Te Ching. Written by Lao Tsu in the sixth century BC is a simple, quiet book that reflects upon our true nature and our behavior. Broken up into 81 'chapters' or short poems, it comprises a mere 5,000 words. Every other sentence is a memorable quote, and one can read it in an hour and study it for a lifetime.

What I do find remarkable is the durability of this particular edition. My copy is ancient, dating back to my college days. At frequent intervals it seems to come to hand and I will peruse it again and enjoy the clarity of this translation by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English. They have carefully chosen a simple, accessible style which I feel completely captures the nature of the Tao. "What is a good man? A teacher of a bad man.

What is a bad man? A good man's charge."

Accompanying the text are many fine examples of Gia-Fu Feng's calligraphy and Jane English's photographs. While I like Chinese calligraphy, I lack the understanding to make any judgement. I can only report that it shows flow and grace, and works perfectly with English's photographs. These latter capture, most often with natural images, a play of contrast which often is as calligraphic as the accompanying handwriting. Thus, the book itself is a careful balance between content and form.

At the end of the day, or in an otherwise tense moment, this volume has often been the source of the tiny bit of sanity that makes the next day possible. There is much to meditate on here and this edition is a precious resource for the seeking mind.

For me, the Tao Te Ching is the most profound book ever written. This version is my personal favorite. I find the the gorgeous pictures go a long way to helping my limited understanding of the text.

RL Wing translates Lao Tzu's timeless classic for a new generation of readers. Chinese symbols are elegantly accomany the translation and provide a backdrop to the resonance of each verse. RL Wing's only conessions to the moden age are to replace a couple of archaic words and link some of the concepts in brief notes to modern concepts the reader can assimilate. The book is organised in a way to provide opportunities for reflection and medition on different concepts that comprise the Tao. It is the type of read a beginner can follow and one which challenges advanced souls as well. After reading it I felt it was a clear translation of Lao Tzu's thoughts.

"the tao of power" is a very enlightening source of information for those wishing to study the tao.

this book is not merely a translation of the tao te ching!

the author accurately translates Lao Tzu's eighty one passages in an understandable way that aids in contemplation, theory and divination. though the passages are arranged in numerical order, excellent introductions to various study approaches are presented, providing methods for the reader to cross reference their own thought processes.

to further aid the reader, commentaries on each passage are added to "bridge the gap" from ancient times to present day.

after reading (and studying) this book, i truly feel i've attained a new level of understanding of the tao te ching, and a greater appreciation for Lao Tzu and his monumental work.

i whole-heartedly recommend this work, and welcome any comments. eric wood

This book was recommended to me by a fellow Taoist, when I pleaded, 'I love Feng & English's translation, but'. This translation is not merely a translation of 'The Tao Te Ching', but a complete reference book. It has a clear commentary on each of Lao Tzu's chapters, plus an ongoing account of history as it pertained to each Dynasty/Period in Chinese evolution at that time. Please don't let the rather pretentious title, 'Tao of Power', put you off. Add it to your library. You will not regret it!

This is a book you will read over, and over. I could not put it down. This book shows the westerner the humor, warmth and insight that can be gain by reading and understanding the Tao Te Ching.

The books illustrations go complement the translation. They are beautiful and inspiring. Sargent did a great job on the water colors. Just as Legge did on the translation.

This book is is very readable and its lessons about life are truelly fantastic. They are wriiten in a wounderful sage like style. I think that you will find that this book does one of the best jobs of tranlatting Lao Tzu's insights on the true working of the universe in a manner that is very clear to us in the west.

A must have book.

I am a long-time reader of Stephen Mitchell's books and have this title on his tape set. This book is a beautiful companion to his wonderful vocal rendition.

The Tao is a manual for life. Not a religion mind you, but a philosophy. As you read the Tao you will realize that you already knew the truths spoken of but overlooked them because they were so obvious. A must read for our age. By the way, it's not lite reading. Read only a few passages at a time and then reflect on them. This is one of the few books you can read over and over and still get something ne out of it. Also, I've read many versions of the Tao Te Ching. Many were not translated in to real world terms. Others were....well.... Dumbed down! Of all of these translation this version is by far the best. Real world language while allowing you to draw your own conclusions.
Enjoy!

I found this book in 1973 at age 13 after reading a TV guide profile of the show Kung Fu. It said that the show's philosophy was based on the Taoist writings of Lao Tse. I found a copy of this book in a used bookstore and it started me on a lifelong love and appreciation of this simple, natural and profound philosophy. I have found myself turning to this book at nearly all of my life's crossroads. I am now looking for a second copy because my original is so extensively highlighted and underlined, the binding's falling apart and I want to start all over again with a clean copy.
I have since read every collection and translation of Laoste and Chuangtse that I could find. They ranged from great to bad to unintentionally hilarious. This is still my dearest and most treasured one by far. Yutangs translation is direct and poetic. I love his idea of using Chuantse's parables to expand upon Lao Tse's verses. This book should still be in print.

Outstanding translation into Western idiom of Taoist concepts. This book is especially useful for linking Chuang-Tsu and Lao-Tsu allowing the reader to develop a systematic understanding of the two major thinkers of the Taoist tradition.

There are more than one hundred translations of Lao-tzu's TAO TE CHING in Western languages, and more than forty versions in English alone. Lao-tzu speaks to those searching for a more meaningful way of life in a society degraded by economic, militaristic, modern values. Robert Henricks' translation is notable in that it is one of several new translations based upon the Ma-wang-tui texts. These texts were discovered in 1973, preserved in the tomb of an official's son. That tomb has been dated to 168 B.C.

Professor Henricks is Professor of Religion at Dartmouth College, and he is a well-known scholar of the Ma-wang-tui texts. His translation is a work of impressive scholarship. He follows the classic two-part, eighty-one stanza form of the TAO TE CHING, giving us two versions of the text, the first his bare-text translation and the other delineated with his commentary and notes. His translation is more literal than Stephen Harrison's more popular poetic rendering of the TAO TE CHING, and more scholarly than Red Pine's translation. It is easy to compare Henricks' translation to Moss Roberts' more recent scholarly translation. Professor Henricks has given us a superior translation of Lao-tzu's TAO TE CHING.

G. Merritt

I really disliked this book, but for a petty reason, so I won't give it a petty star rating of one. I'll give it a three, simply because it isn't a poor rendition or overly complex, but I'm afraid I can't get past the western rhyme scheme (AABB, etc.) that he has put in maybe a fourth of the "verses" in the book. I feel the western rhyme scheme completely ruins the flow and meaning of the message. I would recommend Gia-Fu Feng's translation of the Tao Te Ching, because it is concise in a way that I feel would do justice to the original.

.. and yet this is part of its trancendant charm. we are human and small, not great or divine; we must strive on regardless of failure or success. in this way we may still succeed, as this writer's attempt ultimately does.

it's not a translation so much as a version, a celebration and acceptance of an ancient's cry for Virtue, reflected in the heart of the American quest.

no collection of english interpretations of the tao te ching is complete without this one.

If I had only one book to read and re-read, this would be it. Far and away my favorite translation of the book that is part of my blood and bone. I've memorized much of it, and have read it aloud onto CD as a gift for my friends. A treasure. "Let life ripen and then fall. Force is not the way at all."

This is one of the short-list finest English translations of this indispensable work of cosmic insight and practical wisdom (the two are, as Lao Tzu repeatedly points out, identical in effect). Like Jonathan Star's translation (in his wonderful verbatim text), Pine's work is the rendering of a person with a scholarly background who clearly has made a heart-connection with his subject; in short, this is the work of man who loves the Tao and refuses to hide behind a cloak of academic pretence in his translation. The only distraction to the book is its inclusion of commentary from various sources directly on the page with the poems: I much prefer having the translator's or others' commentary in the back of the text, so that the reader can fully experience the poems in the main part of the text independently, without the distraction of "expert insight." These are poems that should be read and re-read, time and again, year after year, for this is a work that always refreshes itself and its readers. In other respects, however, Pine's translation is well worth a spot on the shelf of any lover of the Tao.

This is the best translation of the Tao Te Ching that I've seen. I'm confident that I will not live to see a better translation. This is the only translation I have found that conveys the profound clarity and simplicity of the Tao.

I will go one step further: This is the greatest holy book I have read.

I plan on reading every book by Red Pine/Bill Porter.

The TAO TE CHING is one of the most translated books in the world, surpassed only by the BIBLE and the BHAGAVAD-GITA. In his reflective verse, Lao-tzu speaks to those searching for a meaningful way of mastering one's life in a society degraded by economic, militaristic and modern values. More than one hundred translations of Lao-tzu's "Book of the Way" have been published in Western languages, including more than forty versions in English alone. This translation is notable for two reasons. First, Red Pine (aka Bill Porter) draws from the recently discovered Ma-wang-tui texts of the TAO TE CHING to successfully convey the Tao essence of Lao-tzu. Those texts were discovered in 1973 preserved in the tomb of an official's son; that tomb has been dated to 168 BC. Second, although it takes only an hour to read the TAO TE CHING, it requires a lifetime to understand it. Red Pine's book includes selected commentaries from the past 2000 years that provide line-by-line insights into Lao-tzu's difficult verse.

Red Pine's bare-verse translation follows the classic two-part, eighty-one verse format of the TAO TE CHING. It is less scholarly than Robert Henrick's translation, more literal than Stephen Mitchell's poetic rendering of the TAO TE CHING, and as readable as Robert Moss's translation. Red Pine's translations of THE DIAMOND SUTRA and THE COLLECTED SONGS OF COLD MOUNTAIN demonstrate a deep understanding of his subjects, and his translation of Lao-tzu is no exception. Red Pine's TAOTECHING is a well-travelled path to the Tao on my bookshelf, and a recommended translation of "The Old Master."

G. Merritt

A lot of people seem to adore this translation. I think it's nice, but there are several I like better. The unusal thing about this one is the very terse, unelaborated language used, which seems to charm a lot of people, but just puts me off. Long-winded translations can go astray, but they don't have to, by any means. (The alleged advantage of using fewer words seems to be based on some pseudoscientific language fetish I'll never understand [see below reviews].)

Of course, let's not forget to mention Needleman's terrible introduction. Absolute garbage. He shows no knowledge of Chinese history or philosophy, and you can just see the square (Eastern) blocks being forced into round (Western) holes as he tries to expound on Taoist philosophy. Henricks does a much better job in his intro, with fewer words, and sounds less presumptuous in doing so.

Just ignore the Needleman, though, and you'll probably appreciate this translation, perhaps more than any other.

As an intermittent student of Taoism and other Eastern philosophies, this is a fascinating read. It's fit for most peoples' sensibilities, a lot of it is similar to the sentiments expressed by Sun Tzu (although it's been a while since I've last looked at him).

This is a simple text, simple translation, but very profound. It's easily read in one night, but to truly understand it, I think, takes much longer.

This is the translation of The Tao that woke me up, made sense to me in a way no other translation had. It doesn't have the "wrought" feeling that most poetic translations have. I didn't feel the translator behind the words, and I could picture The Old Guy, sitting on his hill, writing this down.

Moreover, the introduction by Needleman, missing in the 25-year edition , is stunning, particularly in his explanation of "virtue" as a verb, an act rather than an ideal. I'd trade the photos, however beautiful, for this introduction.