This informative and readable book is an eloquently done academic study of Buddhist art throughout the Asian continent.  However, just because it is academic does not mean that it is boring; in fact, it is quite the opposite.  Leidy has written a book that could be found in any classroom as a basis for study, but it is equally at home on the shelf of anyone interested in Asian art, Buddhist or not.  The book itself is beautiful to look at, with photographs that truly do justice to the artwork they portray.  From Shambhala Publications and available at your independent, local bookstore. (Tell ’em you saw it on Elephant Journal!)