Suzhou Gardens

- Written by Chen Congzhou, the leading Chinese garden historian of his generation. It established his reputation worldwide, and although it was his first book he considered it his favorite - Furthers a deeper understanding what can be done to foster China's splendid inherited garden culture - The finalized English version faithfully transmits the original meaning, making the whole book a wonderful reading experience This book explores the illustrious gardens in Suzhou as both an important page in the history of Chinese gardens, and as a place of recreation and cultivation for the people. Based on architectural surveys of Suzhou gardens and an analysis of Zhuozheng Yuan (the Humble Administrator's Garden) and Liuyuan (the Lingering Garden), this abundantly illustrated book presents the overall gardening characteristics and gardening skills of Jiangnan Garden. Included here are 196 rare archival images of actual gardens, echoed by Song lyrics and calligraphic writing, which provide a comprehensive interpretation of the art of traditional Chinese gardens in both form and shape. The essays are characterized by an urbane and elegant narrative style and occasional passages of lyric expression, and touch on the fields of history, architecture, literature, and painting. The finalized English version faithfully transmits the original meaning, making the whole book a wonderful reading experience.