For thousands of years, stories have been a major part of Taoist teachings, used to illustrate a spiritual truth or principle. The books of Chuang Tzu and Lao Tzu are full of interesting, illuminating, puzzling and often downright funny stories. They are primarily teaching stories, using narrative and character to share an aspect of Taoist thought or practice. Solala Towler has fleshed out the tales, giving them more room to breathe, evolve and develop characters. The insights and ideas that these wonderful stories present to us are as relevant today as they were in the Tang dynasty. The book is illustarted with the stunning photographs of mountain photographer John Cleare to create an atmosphere of serenity, sometimes inspiring awe, which is always deeply satisfying.