Drawing on close readings of primary sources, with frequent quotes from these given in the original Chinese with English translation, Alberts presents a fascinating and detailed analysis of the adaptation of daoism by the non-Chinese Yao people and the larger cultural and political meanings and intentions of their conversion. In his analysis of these texts, the importance of Daoist belief and practice is revealed not only for the Yao, but also for the governing Han. The study is based on Alberts' PhD dissertation in Chinese language and cultures from the U. of Pennsylvania. Annotation 2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
