1999年作者親筆簽名版：《Temples of the Empress of Heaven》(天后廟) SIGNED COPY: Temples of the Empress of Heaven by Bosco & Ho (Oxford Univ. Press, 1999 1st Ed.)

【內容簡介 / Synopsis】

 Part of the Oxford University Press "Images of Asia" series, this book offers a comprehensive look at the Mazu (Tin Hau) cult. It details the history, temple construction, management, and festivals associated with the Empress of Heaven. The text includes in-depth analyses of fengshui (geomancy) considerations for temple siting, accompanied by architectural diagrams and regional maps highlighting prominent sites across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South China.

 本書為牛津大學出版社「亞洲意象」(Images of Asia) 系列作品之一，深入探討媽祖（天后）信仰。內容涵蓋天后廟的歷史發展、建築形制、廟宇管理及相關節慶。書中特別針對建廟的「風水」考量進行了詳細的圖文分析，並附有多張地圖，標示出香港、台灣及華南地區的重要天后廟位置。

【歷史背景與重要性 / Historical Background & Significance】

 Published as a First Edition in 1999, this work serves as a valuable academic resource for those interested in Chinese folk religion and architecture. What makes this specific volume unique is the personal inscription "To Bill and Laurel" (Sinologist Bill Watkins and his wife) and the signature "Joe" (from co-author Joseph Bosco) on the title page, elevating it from a standard academic text to a collectible association copy.

 根據版權頁標示，此書為 1999 年出版的首版 (First Edition)，對於研究華人民間宗教與傳統建築的學者與愛好者極具參考價值。此拍品最大的收藏亮點在於扉頁帶有作者 Joseph Bosco 的親筆題字「To Bill and Laurel」贈給漢學家Bill Watkins及其夫人及簽名「Joe」，這使得本書從一般學術讀物晉升為具有傳承意義的珍藏品。

【書本狀態 / Condition Report】

 英Hardcover. The book is in very good condition with a clean and bright pictorial cover. The binding is secure, and the interior pages are clean and legible. The title page features a handwritten presentation inscription in blue ink by the author.

 精裝本。外觀保存十分良好，圖文封面潔淨明亮。裝幀穩固，內頁乾淨易讀。扉頁留有作者以藍色墨水親筆寫下的贈言與簽名。