Confucius in 90 Minutes

By: Paul Strathern

Narrated by: Robert Whitfield

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Confucius knew all about life and told us how to behave, but we can't find out precisely what he was up to. His well-meaning platitudes, quaint maxims, and quasi-enigmatic anecdotes combined to produce an ideal philosophy for civil servants. It would appear that his aim was to turn his pupils into good government officials, but his teachings succeeded beyond his wildest expectations, providing rules of conduct and spiritual fodder for more than two thousand years.

In Confucius in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Confucius's life and ideas and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world. The book also includes selections from Confucius' work, a brief list of suggested readings for those who wish to delve deeper, and chronologies that place Confucius within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.

©1999 Paul Strathern (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Well-written, clear, and informed, they have a breezy wit about them. I find them hard to stop reading." (The New York Times)

The author seems to dislike Confucius

The author completely fails to elucidate any of Confucius's brilliance, and instead appears to be utterly bored by Confucius (begging the question of why he wrote the book). The narrator faced a difficult task of trying to breathe life into the book, and didn't. This was an ill-conceived 90-minute introduction that does little to introduce Confucius to the listener, nor is it well organized. Don't waste your time--this is not a good introduction to the subject.

Very misleading title...

This book had more to do with Chinese philosophy and other random figures in history that it did Confucius. Even the timeline of his life according to the author spans hundreds of years and has almost nothing to do with him. the author clearly didn't do any research and knew very little about Confucius. For anyone looking for accurate and detailed information, this is a waist of time.

Abysmal

What disappointed you about Confucius in 90 Minutes?

Author amuses himself by spoofing and ridiculing Confucius. Arrogant, haughty. Filled with crude Western prejudices. As a beginner myself, I prefer a fine translation to this debased British-style comedy routine.

What do you think your next listen will be?

More reliable and scholarly translation that allows me to learn about Confucius for myself.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No. Author needs advice on where to place his "little sticks."

Pretty Bad

Full of errors and incorrect assertions. Knowledge of Chinese and Chinese culture is extremely limited. For instance, the origins of the term Kungfu has nothing to do with Confucius.

not what I expected

Not what I expected - too simplified view of Confucius. I was expected a little in depth review ... alas

Could have been better

The western point of view and bias get in the way of the information and ideas. It is difficult to understand Confucian thinking when the author of this book is so sure that it is wrong. If you are buying a book to learn something, try one of the others.

Very good.

Gave me exactly what the title promised. It's well written, easy to follow, entertaining and narrated by one of my favourites: Robert Whitfield.

Excellent synopses of Confucius

Very noteworthy., interesting and informative. I have always loved Confucius sayings and have special quotes I say all the time.

A well rounded history of confucius

Enjoyable to listen to and makes me want to dig deeper into Confucius and his writings

Says what it is

Great break down of Confucius in about less than an hour if you speed it up. Gives a thorough explanation into the life and times of this interesting person in history. And it was free!