Providing an analysis of Chinese divination as a means of organizing and interpreting "reality", Richard Smith examines a wide variety of mantic techniques - from the use of the hallowed "Yjing" to such popular practices as siting (geomancy), astrology, numerology, physiognomy, the analysis of written characters, meteorological divination, the use of mediums (including spirit-writing), and dream interpretation. As he explains the pervasiveness and tenacity of divination in China, the author explores not only the connections between various mantic techniques but also the relationship between divination and other facets of Chinese culture, including philosophy, science and medicine. He discusses the symbolism of divination, its aesthetics, its ritual aspects, and its psychological and social significance, pointing out that in traditional China divination helped to order the future, just as history helped to order the past, and rituals the present.

本书是旅美中国历史学家王笛对成都社会史的研究著作，作者从下层民众的角度详细描绘了晚清到民国初年的成都丰富的城市生活，为我们呈现了在邻里穿梭的小贩和工匠、打扰居民的乞丐和流氓、宗教仪式和娱乐，以及充满活力的茶馆。