The Book of Life

Mount Shasta, CA: Shasta Abbey, Reformed Soto Zen Church. Near Fine. 1977. First Edition (1979), First Edition, so stated; First Printing. Paperback. First Edition (1979) , First Printing, so stated. Very Near Fine in Wraps: shows only a tony soil spot at the upper front panel and a hint of foxing at the top edge of the text block; else flawless; the binding is square and secure; the text is clean. Free of creases to the panels. Free of creases to the backstrip. Free of creased or dog-eared pages in the text. Free of underlining, hi-lighting, notations, or marginalia. Free of any ownership names, dates, addresses, notations, inscriptions, stamps, plates, or labels. A handsome, nearly-new copy, structurally sound and tightly bound, showing a very minor, unobtrusive imperfection. Bright and clean. Corners sharp. Very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. (8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches) . 360 pages. Illustrated with drawings, tables and designs in black & white. Language: English. Weight: 18 ounces. Trade Paperback. Houn Jiyu-Kennett (1924 – 1996) , born Peggy Teresa Nancy Kennett, was a British roshi most famous for having been the first female to be sanctioned by the Soto School of Japan to teach in the West. In 1975 Jiyu-Kennett was stricken with illness and she became bedridden. In 1976, worn out and convinced death was near, she resigned from her position as abbess of Shasta Abbey and went into retreat in Oakland, California. Still rather ill, of unknown causes, she had her student Daizui MacPhillamy with her often to tend to her care. Following a kensho experience he had, she conferred Dharma transmission to him at her bedside in 1976. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author .