{"product_id":"the-chinese-garden-history-art-and-architecture-third-edition","title":"The Chinese Garden: History, Art and Architecture, Third Edition","description":"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 Keswicks 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 humanitys 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 Chinas 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  Keswicks engaging work remains unparalleled as an introduction to the Chinese garden.","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44778595876917,"sku":"ByrdShop_0674010868","price":171.93,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/ByrdShop_0674010868.jpg?v=1762251826","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-chinese-garden-history-art-and-architecture-third-edition","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}