244
BOOK REVIEWS
romanization, Chinese characters and their translation. The authors were also able to round off their observation with a fair knowledge of Chinese civilization and the basics of Buddhism and Taoism.
As these 9 sacred mountains were of such fundamental importance for the world concept of Chinese civilization since its dawn and few western people ever had, or perhaps ever will have, the chance to visit these mountains, this might be justification enough to publish this travel diary 37 years after this strenuous pilgrimage was undertaken, although judged as a whole the text is somewhat meager and weak.
It is a beautifully produced book, with good quality of paper and printing and a generous layout, and clean dark blue linen hard cover which is the trade-mark of all books published by Vetch & Lee Ltd.
Hong Kong, 1975.
HELGA WERLE