“A rich and nuanced examination of medieval Chinese Buddhist thanatonic practices.... While informed by the best of contemporary theory, Teiser’s book is a pleasure to read, being lucidly, and in places elegantly, written. Bridging area studies and the history of religions, Teiser offers an exceptional exploration of the concerns, practices, and beliefs of ninth- and tenth-century Chinese Buddhists.” —Journal of Religion, January 1997

“An exemplary work that can be recommended to all students of the religion, culture, and social history of medieval China.” —China Review International, Spring 1997

“A marvelous study of an important text—a landmark in philological and interpretive excellence.” —Asian Folklore Studies 56 (1997)

“Deserves a wide readership, ... warmly recommended.” —Studies in Central and East Asian Religions 9 (1996)

“L’idée du purgatoire dans la Chine bouddhique, à la différence d’autres civilisations, est marquée par la bureaucratie.” —Revue Bibliographique de Sinologie, 1996