Ancient Chinese Architecture Series, 10 volume set [Paperback]

Ching-Hua Ju (Author), Boyang Wang (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3211830308 | ISBN-13: 978-3211830307 | Publication Date: June 10, 2003 | Edition: 1

Ancient Chinese Architecture is the most exhaustive publication for all connoisseurs of architecture and devotees of China and Chinese culture. The unrivalled comprehensiveness of the coverage accompanied by the outstanding quality of the illustrations and presentation of the material make this series an unparalleled experience. Experience the astonishing beauty arising from the characteristic colouring and impressive architectural complexity of the buildings. Discover, too, the intricate delicacy, vast range of combinations and very individual styles of these impressive landmarks. The sheer scope of buildings of both historical and cultural significance is your guarantee of a fascinating and unique aesthetic experience. The informative and clearly written texts are a pleasure to read for specialists and discerning readers alike. Each volume contains clearly laid out maps showing the position of each of the different examples of ancient Chinese architecture and the best routes to take to reach them. There are also typological comparisons, a chronology and reference list offering a whole range of information gleaned from classical architectural surveys, as well as a complete glossary. Appearance Each volume is bound to the highest standards and will satisfy the demands of even the most rigorous bibliophile. Each volume contains 170 large format full-colour illustrations of both the interior and exterior views of the buildings as well as landscape panoramas of breathtaking beauty and numerous fine-ink drawings. Each volume is stitched and linen-bound, and contains approx. 200 pages in a generous 10,5 x 14,5 inches format to ensure that not a single detail escapes the reader s eye. Ancient Chinese Architecture comes in 10 volumes and provides an insight into all facets of ancient Chinese architecture, from the magnificent palaces to the still almost unknown and enchanting vernacular dwellings of the villages. The high quality bindings will satisfy even the most demanding of tastes. The impressive format (10,5 x 14,5 inches) will ensure that you do not overlook a single detail. 170 large-scale photographs in each volume illustrate the interior and exterior views of each building and the gardens, each with its own particular beauty. Approx. 200 fine-ink drawings provide a rare clarity of insight into the construction details. Each handsome linen-bound and stitched volume is kept to a practical length of approx. 200 pages. Each volume is dedicated to one specific theme and contains detailed guide maps showing how the theme relates to others in the series. Clearly written English translations of texts by highly respected Chinese academics offer clear and concise information on each of the subjects treated. Each volume contains maps showing the best routes to take to visit both the famous and the less well-known sites of interest featured. Clear indexing ensures quick and reliable orientation. Each volume is complemented by extensive bibliographies, easy-to-follow tables showing developments, typological comparisons and chronologies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Bookshelf //Ancient Chinese Architecture// is al lushly illustrated tour of China's building history, from the creation of the great palaces to that of the Great Wall. --(BlackBook)

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

Product Details

• Paperback: 2000 pages
• Publisher: Springer Vienna Architecture; 1 edition (June 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3211830308
• ISBN-13: 978-3211830307
• Product Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 12.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,266,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a big help, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Taoist Buildings (Ancient Chinese Architecture) (Hardcover)

As an architecture student designing a taoist monestary, I found this book incredibly helpful. The images and descriptions helped me weigh what was important in the taoist way of building, and gave me a much more in depth understanding of the symbolism and layout of the different types of structures. I would have preferred to see some more drawings, specifically layouts and cross-sections, so that the buildings could have been more easily understood.

1.0 out of 5 stars wrong book, June 6, 2011

By 

Taliesin Silverbrow (Somerville, Massachusetts USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Taoist Buildings (Ancient Chinese Architecture) (Hardcover)

I ordered this 3 times each time I received a different book in the series. I got Defense structures, I sent it back and 2 more times same thing. I have my doubts Amazon fixed the problem so be very very careful if ordering this