This exceptional scholarly study represents a milestone in our understanding of the Taoist

liturgical tradition and its place in medieval Chinese society. Outside the field of Taoist studies,

that tradition (wrongly called "popular Taoism") is often still misconstrued as a mélange of

popular superstitions. Benn's thoroughly researched study incorporates the findings of extensive

scholarship, and produces a focussed, comprehensible picture of the rituals of investiture

employed in Taoism's heyday, the T'ang dynasty. Through careful analysis of heretofore littleknown

texts, Benn lays out the ordination of two imperial princesses of the eighth century. His

knowledgeable and clearly written analyses constitute our fullest and most reliable overview of

the nature of the traditional Taoist priesthood and its liturgical activities. He demonstrates, for

instance, that while the ordination rites were theatrical in style, they were juridical in structure.

In addition, this is the first monographic study to detail the activities of some of the medieval

women who were not only active in the Taoist priesthood, but were from all indications treated

as complete equals with their male counterparts. Benn's work is of great importance for those

interested in traditional (or modern) Chinese religion, and should also greatly interest students of

ritual and of women and religion.