Chinese Bridges: Living Architecture from China's Past (Tuttle Specials)

Chinese Bridges: Living Architecture from China's Past (Tuttle Specials)

Bridges, the least known and understood of China's many wonders, are one of its most striking and resilient feats of architectural prowess. Chinese Bridges brings together a thorough look at the marvels of Chinese bridge design from one of the world's leading experts on Chinese culture and historical geography, Ronald G. Knapp. While many consider bridges to be merely utilitarian civil engineering, the bridges of China move beyond that stereotype, as many are undeniably dramatic, even majestic and daring. Chinese Bridges illustrates in detail 20 well-preserved ancient bridges along with descriptions and essays on the distinctive architectural elements shared by the various designs. For the first time in an English-language book, Chinese Bridges records scores of newly discovered bridges across China's vast landscape, illustrated with over 400 color photographs, as well as woodblock prints, historical images, paintings and line drawings. "This exquisitely illustrated volume gives more insight into the cultural and philosophical systems undergirding all forms of Chinese architecture than any book in recent years." -- ArchNewsNow.com "Splendid… [ Chinese Bridges ] is necessary reading for all who are interested in Chinese architecture, history and culture." -- CHOICE magazine "[ Chinese Bridges ] definitely changes a person's view on what China is truly all about. It's truly worth checking it out!" -- Aisha Kristine blog "Getting a copy of Knapp's book Chinese Bridges: A Living Architecture from China's Past is a must for anyone who has passion to create living utilities…" -- Woman Elan Vital blog "This is the kind of book that even if you have already finished reading you will never get tired of re-reading…" -- Style Diaries blog "Scholarly, detailed, beautifully illustrated." -- Library Journal Since 1965, Ronald G. Knapp has spent significant time carrying out research in the Chinese countryside and is the author or contributing editor of more than a dozen books, including the award-winning Chinese Houses: The Architectural Heritage of a Nation . Knapp is currently SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the State University of New York, New Paltz, where he also lives. A. Chester Ong , born in the Philippines and currently based in Hong Kong, has photographed widely throughout Asia. His photography appears in magazines, exhibitions, as well as books, including China Modern, Chinese Houses, and China Living.