10 Taiji Books When You're Stuck on a Desert Island.

"The more that you read, the more things you'll know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

~Dr Seuss

For years, I've been  doing this mental exercise, what 10 Taiji books do I take if I'm stuck on a desert island. This is good for me to ponder; what books give the most or the deepest concepts, principles, and theories? Which ones catalogue the most about Taiji for me? What books cover the classics or the history? What books do I reference the most, reread, or gain insights with every reading? It's also a good study for when people ask for book suggestions. 

I'd say half of them firmly remain on my list, while the other half have moved up the ranks, been swapped out,  or added to over the years. With the fantastic translations of Paul Brennan, I've had so many more books to consider. Here is my current list. Some are readily available, and some, good luck on your quest!

1. Tai-Chi Chuan for Health and Self Defense by Master T.T. Liang

2. Tai-Chi Touchstones, Yang Family Secret Transmissions by Douglas Wile. (revised edition)

3. Cheng-Tzus 13 Treatises on Tai Chi Chuan by Cheng Man Ching, translated by Benjamin Lo and Martin Inn

4. The Skills and Essentials of Yang Style Taiji Boxing by Huang Yuanxiu

5. Tai-Chi Chuan and Meditation by Da Liu

6. On Tai-Chi Chuan by T.Y. Pang

7. The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan by Yang Chengfu

8. Fundamentals of Tai-Chi Chuan by Wen-shan Huang

9. Explaining Taiji Principles by Yang Banhou

10 Yang Family Taijiquan by Chen Yanlin

Ok, ok, five honorable mentions!

1. Drawing Silk by Paul B. Gallagher

2. The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan by Jou Tsung hwa

3. Brain Aerobics of Tai Chi Chuan by Great Grandmaster William C.C. Chen

4. There Are No Secrets by Wolfe Lowenthal

5. Questions and Answers on Tai Chi Chuan by Chen Weiming, translated by Benjamin Lo and Robert W. Smith