The four books is a collection of confucian root texts. It has been established that none of them has been written by Confucius (K’ung-tzu, 551-479 B.C.E.) but rather compiled by his students after his dead. However, The four books, are considered the closest we come to the original teaching of Confucius. If you were to seek a position in the Chinese empire you would have to pass a civil service examination, that required that you had read the four books.
The collection consists of the works: Confucian Analects, The great learning, The doctrine of the mean, and The works of Mencius. This edition has both the original Chinese text and the English translation. This edition was translated and edited by James Legge. Download the book here (41 MB / 603 pages):
The four books
Confucius teachings guided me through difficult times in my youth. I found a meaning that adjusted my life to meet diversity alone. The simple messages were public readings inside the NY Daily Newspaper under the heading: Confucious says: “a quoted passage”. Now i am reunited with the foundation of ethical truths for peace within & harmony with life.
Thank You!