Lineages Embedded in Temple Networks

Discover the intricate dynamics of Ming China in Lineages Embedded in Temple Networks by Richard G. Wang. Published by Harvard University Press in 2022, this compelling hardback spans 400 pages, offering a deep dive into the influential role of elite Daoists during this pivotal era. Wang meticulously examines how these spiritual leaders served as vital intermediaries between local communities and the imperial state, utilizing their clerical lineages to create vast networks that facilitated the exchange of knowledge and resources. Additionally, the author highlights the significant control these elite figures held over central temples, shaping both social and cultural life. This book is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, politics, and society in historical China.