The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts
"A real gift to martial arts enthusiasts and historians alike. Combining scholarly caution and respectful appreciation, Shahar shows how much and how little can be learned about the origins of the monastery in the fifth century, its close relationship with the Tang emperors (618-907), its flowering as a religious and military institution in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and the suspicion with which it was regarded by the Qing state (1644-1911)....This refreshingly original study is indispensable for understanding both the history and the hype." -Choice "A long-awaited, in-depth look into the complex political, military, and hygienic factors surrounding the monastery's involvement in martial arts....This is clearly a pioneering book, and Shahar, a qualified scholar, has documented his material in a manner that will allow others to pursue the provocative questions he raises." -Journal of Asian Martial Arts"