Early Chinese Religion

"Early Chinese Religion" presents a comprehensive synthesis of religious practices and beliefs in China from prehistoric times through the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). Lagerwey and Kalinowski trace the evolution from shamanic traditions and ancestor worship through the emergence of organized Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist institutions, examining how these diverse currents interacted and influenced each other during China's formative religious period. What distinguishes this work is its integration of archaeological evidence with textual sources, offering insights into ritual practices that previous scholarship often overlooked. The authors pay particular attention to the role of divination, burial customs, and imperial religious ceremonies in shaping early Chinese spiritual life. Rather than treating different traditions in isolation, they demonstrate how syncretism and mutual borrowing characterized religious development from the earliest periods. This volume serves as both an authoritative introduction for general readers and a valuable reference for specialists, successfully bridging the gap between academic rigor and accessibility while challenging conventional narratives about the separation of Chinese religious traditions.

This two-volume scholarly work provides the most comprehensive English-language survey of Chinese religious traditions from prehistory through the Han dynasty. Academic readers and specialists consistently praise its authoritative scope and meticulous research. Liked: - Integrates archaeological evidence with textual sources for unprecedented historical depth - Contributors are leading international experts in their specialized fields - Covers shamanism, ancestor worship, and early Daoist practices with equal rigor - Extensive bibliographies and cross-references make it invaluable for further research Disliked: - Dense academic prose makes it challenging for general readers - Uneven chapter quality reflects the multi-author approach - High price point limits accessibility for most individual buyers At over 1,200 pages, this remains the definitive reference work for scholars and graduate students studying early Chinese religion. While its academic focus and technical language may intimidate casual readers, the breadth of coverage and scholarly rigor make it indispensable for serious study of Chinese religious history.

• This two-volume work emerged from a major international conference in Paris, bringing together leading sinologists to create the most comprehensive survey of early Chinese religious practices in decades. • Lagerwey, a Taoist studies pioneer, spent forty years in Asia conducting fieldwork, while Kalinowski revolutionized understanding of Chinese divination through his archaeological discoveries in Hubei province. • The collection challenges Western assumptions by demonstrating how shamanism, ancestor worship, and early Taoism formed an integrated religious system rather than separate traditions. • Published by Brill in 2009, it has become essential reading in religious studies programs worldwide, though its academic price point limits broader accessibility.