Where an author is definite I have included in the list below. Translations of the Tao Te Ching come in all sizes and shapes. I have found Thomas Cleary to be the most adept, followed by Stephen Mitchell and Eva Wong. However, it doesn't matter how much reading you do. Truly understanding Taoism comes not from the words.
Words are fingers that point at the moon.
Once you see the moon, you no longer need the fingers.