The Chinese Garden: History, Art and Architecture

by Maggie Keswick, Charles Jencks (Contributor), Alison Hardie (Editor)

Dense with winding paths, dominated by huge rock piles and buildings squeezed into small spaces, the characteristic Chinese garden is, for many foreigners, so unlike anything else as to be incomprehensible. Only on closer acquaintance does it offer up its mysteries; and such is the achievement of Maggie Keswick's celebrated classic that it affords us--adventurers, armchair travelers, and garden buffs alike--the intimate pleasures of the Chinese garden. In these richly illustrated pages, Chinese gardens unfold as cosmic diagrams, revealing a profound and ancient view of the world and of humanity's place in it. First sensuous impressions give way to more cerebral delights, and forms conjure unending, increasingly esoteric and mystical layers of meaning for the initiate. Keswick conducts us through the art and architecture, the principles and techniques of Chinese gardens, showing us their long history as the background for a civilization--the settings for China's great poets and painters, the scenes of ribald parties and peaceful contemplation, political intrigues and family festivals. Updated and expanded in this third edition, with an introduction by Alison Hardie, many new illustrations, and an updated list of gardens in China accessible to visitors, Keswick's engaging work remains unparalleled as an introduction to the Chinese garden.

Genres: China, Art, History, Architecture, Nonfiction, Gardening, Asia

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent from the historical and landscape design angle. Its images leave a bit to be desired, but the book is highly useful and intriguing on the whole.

[Owen Hatherley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Distantly responsible for her husband's works in landscape architecture, but leaving that aside a really great piece of popular architectural history, which could do with a new affordable edition.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well illustrated book on traditional Chinese gardens with plans and paintings as well as photos. Included in the back is a list of existing gardens to visit. An excellent book on the subject.