Zhang Dewei, Thriving in Crisis: Buddhism and Political Disruption in China, 1522–1620. The Sheng Yen Series in Chinese Buddhist Studies. New York: Columbia University Press, 2020. xxiii, 340 pp. Illustrations, Tables, Bibliography, Index. US$ 65 (HB). ISBN 978-0-231-19700-7

Abstract

very little effort, i.e., that his profit will greatly surpass his investment. It would be interesting to know whether the petitions were successful or not. The question is raised several times in the study. But since there exist only the letters of the senders whereas the answers of the recipients are mostly missing, this question has to be left open for further studies. Jonas Polfuß undertakes excursions into other fields, like the postal service or income of officials during the Tang dynasty. He also makes suggestions for further research in the field of comparative studies. In this context the author stresses his belief that the “Tang Letter Network” analyzed in this study is not something “typically Chinese.” This is convincing, since the letters reflect basic human emotions like ambition and defeat, pride and despair, which are common all over the world. Maybe some parts of the study dwell too long on well-known facts, a few explanations are a bit repetitive, and sometimes less would be more. Yet the original approach and the mass of material collected and commented on is impressive and fascinating. About sixty examples of letter excerpts are presented – always in the Chinese original and with a German translation. The book, beautifully set and edited by the Ostasien Verlag, makes interesting and enjoyable reading. It appeals to a wide reading public, comprising not only specialists. Even general readers could profit from clever advice how to cultivate your network, how to deal with difficult superiors or how to apply for a job.