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Rating: 
Summary: okay, not too bad, but ....
Review: (Note: I give this book five stars, not because its more valuable than any other book on Taoism/meditation(altho' it is quite good), but because it is likely to go out of print again, and you would be wise to procure a copy before it disappears once more, to your great irritation!)I procured this volume on the advice and perspective of Eva Wong in her very useful 'Shambala Guide to Taoism.' Outside of an occasional lapse into lefty-loony conspiracy theories, no doubt to make himself and his book relevant and acceptable to his politicized acquaintances, this is a useful book. It really does contribute to the search for perspectives on Taoism that assist overall understanding. Much of the material is ancient, classic and all the rest, and therefore valuable for those considerate of time based perspectives on Taoism. However, the beginner would do well to check out other volumes first: therefore, I reservedly offer Olson's book itself, a cautious three stars. Eva Wong mentions 'The Gold Pavilion' by Michael Saso in her book as well, for those interested in Taoist meditation. It should be more immediately useful to many than Olson's book, which may prove a bit more abstruse. Not mentioned in Eva Wong's 'Guide' is a more recent book by Thomas Cleary, 'Taoist Meditation.' Many will find this book so worthwhile, I wont even bother to discuss it, but refer everyone to the Amazon.com reviews. However, there is another meditation volume that has even more to offer than either of the above, though it is unmentioned by Wong, and is not of the oriental variety. It is Israel Regardie's 'Art of True Healing' (see Amazon.com reviews.) As a form of meditation, assiduously practised, you can accomplish just about anything with it. Regardie's book is simple, safe, and useful when properly practised, and does not require a teacher. It belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in any form of meditation, western or eastern. I might also add, that Joel Goldsmith's more western perspectives on the importance of a healthy conception of Divinity in his 'The Art of Meditation' book, may prove of immense use, even to students of Taoism. Problem with Olson's 'Jade' book is, you might as well pick it up because it just might go out of print, and you will end up being annoyed at its lack of availability. Eventually, you are likely to turn to it as one of the more worthy resources on Taoist meditation.
After all, it is to Olson's credit that he has some 30 years experience in the subject. He therefore has got to have something useful to say, especially in 200 plus pages. I might also note that this edition is larger than its previous (copies of which seem to have disappeared off the face of the earth, in my community, at least!) I cannot speak of the abovementioned writers in respect to two other oriental meditation expositors that Wong recommends, Livia Kohn and Isabella Robinet, as I have not read them.
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