The German publishing market is not flooded with books providing substantial introductions and overviews of major areas in the history of religion written by academic experts in their fields. It is a consequence perhaps of overall specialization, which often leads to an overcautious approach regarding the “whole field.” This book is a rare exception to this rule and it should be regarded as a model for future authors. Kleine, professor of religious studies in Leipzig and specialist of East Asian Buddhism, provides an in‐depth study of the history of Buddhism in Japan. Focusing on the historical development, he devotes most of its description to the history and formation of the several movements and schools of Buddhism in Japan (and—of course—its “predecessors” in China and in India, as far as they are relevant). The author also concentrates on ritual and the fate of Buddhism in the present‐day Japan. The book is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in the history of Japanese and East Asian Buddhism in general. It is not suitable for someone who just wants “to get an impression” or wants to know details about Buddhism in Japanese actual daily life. It is intended for those who are really interested in the history, the major doctrinal developments, and the many ramifications of Buddhism in Japan. The praise should not be lessened by two flaws of this publication for which mainly the publisher is to blame: due to deficient copyediting there are a few layout mistakes, and the book's price is out of reach for a substantial target audience, namely students.
