｜內容簡介 (Introduction)
本書由著名學者陳觀勝（Kenneth Ch'en）所著，是西方研究中國佛教史領域的權威之作。全書從漢代佛教傳入開始，詳盡梳理至唐代的繁盛發展，並涵蓋隨後的歷史演變。作為「普林斯頓宗教史研究」系列叢書，本書憑藉嚴謹的史料考證與流暢的敘述風格，成為宗教研究者與歷史愛好者不可或缺的入門與進階參考典籍。
Authored by the eminent scholar Kenneth Ch'en, this book is an authoritative work in the field of Western studies on Chinese Buddhism. It traces the history of Buddhism in China from its introduction during the Han Dynasty through its apogee in the Tang Dynasty, extending to later historical developments. As part of the "Princeton Studies in the History of Religions" series, the book is an essential resource for researchers and history enthusiasts, praised for its meticulous scholarship and lucid narrative style.
｜歷史背景與重要性 (Historical Significance)
學術文獻地位：本書初版於 1964 年，此版本為 1973 年二刷的經典平裝本。它是西方語言中首部系統性處理中國佛教通史的著作，填補了當時學術界的重要研究空白。
權威認證：知名學術期刊如《Pacific Affairs》曾評價其為「西方語言中關於中國佛教真正的第一部歷史」，而《Journal of Asian Studies》則盛讚其為當時英語世界中最完整的佛教歷史研究。
Academic Significance: First published in 1964, this copy is the 1973 second printing of the classic paperback edition. It is recognized as one of the first systematic historical surveys of Chinese Buddhism in a Western language, filling a crucial gap in academic research at the time.
Authoritative Recognition: Renowned journals have lauded this work: Pacific Affairs termed it "the first true history of Chinese Buddhism written in a Western language," while the Journal of Asian Studies praised it as the most complete history available in English.
｜書本狀態 (Condition Report)
本品為 Princeton University Press 出版之平裝本。封面有明顯的歲月痕跡與自然泛黃，展現歷史感。內頁部分段落留有前藏家William Watkins手寫註記（包含對佛教概念與名詞的批註），這些手寫痕跡不僅記錄了前讀者的鑽研深度，也賦予本書獨特的人文溫度。書況整體保存完整，適合尋求具備學術歷史感藏品的讀者。
This is a Princeton University Press paperback edition. The cover shows natural aging and yellowing, which adds a sense of history. The interior pages feature William Watkins’ handwritten pencil annotations (including notes on Buddhist concepts and terminology), which reflect the depth of previous study and lend the book a unique human touch. The overall condition is well-preserved, making it ideal for collectors seeking books with an academic and historical character.
