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SECOND EDITION, published by A & C Black, 1998, softcover, illustrated, index, 128 pages, slight repair to cover otherwise condition: basically as new.
This book distinguishes itself from the pile of books on tai chi chuan sitting on the shelves of your local bookstore. Most tai chi books are large-format, glossy books with full-color photographs of the various moves of the solo forms--usually the Yang-style short form (also called the Beijing Standard Form [or the like.]) Suttons book, on the other hand, is mostly text about the history, philosophy, tactics, and lesser-known dimensions of tai chi chuan. In short, while most books give little indication that theres more to tai chi than the solo form, Sutton builds his niche in focusing on everything other than the solo form. Those whove practiced tai chi will be familiar with the on-going debate about whether the art is primarily chi gong (energy work for health purposes) or a martial art. Sutton comes down on the latter side.
The book consists of 32 short chapters (mostly 2 to 4 pages.) It isnt written as a how-to manual, but rather as a series of meditations on various aspects of tai chi. As I mentioned, the book deals more with push hands, the san shou fast forms, and weapons than does most books on tai chi. It doesnt try to teach these methods, but instead tries to offer insight on them. The book would be of most value to someone who has some experience with the art, but who isnt an expert. The latter might find it boring, but those without minimal knowledge might have trouble visualizing what the author is attempting to convey.
