"Very importantly for English readers, Heine elucidates the complex history of the many varied editions of ShÅbÅgenzÅ. One of the key portions of this valuable book are the epilogues, which provide translations of other verses by Giun and other early SÅtÅ teachers. Heine includes an extremely valuable, comprehensive, and detailed essay about the history of the many commentaries on DÅgen up to modern times, including duringthe SÅtÅ school's banning of ShÅbÅgenzÅ from 1722 to 1796. This essay alone will be a major benefit for all English speakers interested in SÅtÅ history." -- Taigen Dan Leighton, Religious Studies Review"In a substantial introduction, Heine examines the Sh=ob=ogenz=o honmokuju , explores in detail the origins of the 60- fascicle edition alongside other editions, thoroughly introduces Giun- thereby highlighting the influence of the Wanshi (C. Hóngzhì; i.e., the twelfth- century Chinese Cáodòng master Hóngzhì Zh=engjué)- ha as an important mediator in Sino- Japanese literary affairs- and addresses the purpose ofZen poetry, especially Hóngzhì's approach.

" -- Lukas Pokorny, Religious Studies Review"This magisterial study is much recommended to students and scholars of East Asian Buddhism. elegant translations, insightful glosses and elaborations" -- Religious Studies Review"Flowers Blooming on a Withered Tree can be read as many things, being as multilayered as Zen language itself. It is certainly recommendable for poetry lovers and admirers or followers of Zen. Heine's translations and comments on the verses are certainly elucidating in terms of their meaning, not only of the symbolic meaning or metaphysical message of the poems but also of the literal meaning of the words and phrases, which, to complete the circle,is often a reflection of the symbolic and metaphysical expression of both D'.