On Chinese Gardens (English and Mandarin Chinese Edition)

Chen Congzhou's five essays On Chinese Gardens, written between 1978 and 1982, contain insights into the nature of traditional Chinese gardens derived from a lifetime's study. They also ruminate on the principles of conservation of historic landscapes and the creation of contemporary parks and gardens. This book features his elegant essays accompanied by beautiful photographs. The essays can be appreciated and enjoyed on many levels: for their humour and the elegance and fluency of their expression; for the depth of learning which they effortlessly convey; for their insights into the links between different art forms within the integrated whole of traditional Chinese culture; for the apt citation of classical literature, throwing light on various aspects of garden design and garden culture.