- 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.
