This volume is part of the Handbook of Oriental Studies (Section 4, China). Kohn (religious studies, Boston U.) presents the work of 30 major scholars on the main features and development of Daoism, providing insight into the structure and organization of the religion from an integrative perspective. Each chapter deals with a fixed set of aspects--history, texts, worldview, and practices--with specific figures, texts, practices and other major themes highlighted for quick reference. Topics range from specific periods, schools and masters to women in Daoism, Daoism in Korea, elixirs and alchemy, immortality and transcendence, talismans and sacred diagrams, and Daoist sacred sites, art, and ritual music. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR.