The Chinese Garden - Tapa dura

Every aspect of the Chinese garden is explored in Maggie Keswick's classic book. Although the subject of Chinese gardens can be unwieldy and esoteric, this book manages to be both scholarly and accessible (Country Life)

A perceptively revised edition (by Alison Hardie) of the inspiring and innovative first edition. No one with an interest in garden design should be without it (Architectural Review)

A magnificent study that is as readable as it is scholarly (Times)

First published in 1978, this volume attempted to explore the meanings and cultural forces that lie behind Chinese gardens. Maggie Keswick traced the Chinese garden back to its origins, and explained its influence on, and how it was influenced by, philosophy, art, architecture and literature. This work is an exploration of how Chinese civilization manifested itself in the art of garden making and design.

This new edition is revised and re-illustrated. It includes an annotated section of gardens open to visitors in China.