This 2003 book by John Kieschnick (born 1964) is to my knowledge the latest book on Buddhism in China. It’s an excellent book.
John has excellent knowledge and expertise. He studied in the US and in Xian and Peking, China. He also did 10 years as a Research Fellow in Taipeh.
His command of sources is superb though he does not reveal whether he relied on English translations for his Chinese and Japanese sources. I wish he had disclosed here or in his CV.
I find it interesting that he discussed here objects related to Buddhism like rosary and ruyi. He cites passages in the dream of the red chamber where these objects were mentioned and their significance. (See p116 and 139 paperback edition)
His CV does not disclose his nationality other than that he was born in Hong Kong.
There are not many western Sinologists specialising in Buddhism in China. He continues the good work of the late Sinologists Frenchman Jacques Gernet and the late Dutchman Erik Zurcher.
Readers should also read the chapter on Daoism and Buddhism in China between Empires The Northern and Southern dynasties by Mark Edward Lewis. 2009 Ed.