Palace Architecture (Ancient Chinese Architecture)

From Library Journal

The Chinese have spent the last 4000 years developing and perfecting a unique architectural style. Highly centralized and extensively documented in building manuals and construction texts, the apex of Chinese building skills were the great imperial palaces of China's six ancient capitals. Two of these palace complexes have survived, and this volume, first of a planned series of ten on Chinese architecture and gardens, presents the Forbidden City of Beijing and the Manchu palace of Shenyang in 127 color photos with accompanying text. Clearly translated from the Chinese, the slightly dry text presents a wealth of detail on the design and construction of Chinese palaces and how they reflect Chinese cosmology. Extensive appendixes show line drawings, overviews, and technical diagrams along with maps and a chronology of Chinese architecture. Well bound and well printed (although some photos are enlarged to the point of graininess), this is a valuable addition to architecture or Asian studies collections.?David McClelland, PhiladelphiaCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"It is rare when the publication of a scholary book falls into the category of a ‘major event’; but this and the nine folio-sized volumes to come covering other architectural categories fully qualify. Even if a library has no other books on Chinese architecture, it should make sure to acquire these as they are published ... this is an exemplary presentation deserving the highest recommendation.” CHOICE 6/99