The book describes Goullart's journey through Buddhist and Taoist monasteries in China during the early 20th century. It offers an absorbing picture of life in these institutions and explores the beliefs, thoughts, and practices of Taoism, which Goullart came to understand through personal experience and interaction with abbots and monks.
The book is filled with splendid descriptions of the Chinese landscape, as awareness of nature's beauty and interconnectedness is central to Taoist philosophy. Goullart's work is considered unique as it provides information on Taoism from a Western perspective, based on his personal knowledge and practice of it. He lived in China for thirty years after being displaced by the Russian Revolution. 
The book explores how Taoism, while not a religion in competition with other belief systems, can enrich anyone's thought world and practice as a human being. Goullart's interactions with Daoists and his insights into their behavior and practices are presented in a vivid and engaging manner.

1961. The Travel Book Club. First Edition. 189 pages. No dust jacket. Paper covered boards. Clean pages with mild tanning and foxing throughout. Tightly bound. Boards have mild edgewear with corner crushing. Heavy sunning to board edges and spine. Book has forward lean.