The Imperial Capitals of China

A Dynastic History of the Celestial Empire

Nonfiction, History, Asian, China, Art & Architecture, Architecture
Cover of the book The Imperial Capitals of China by Arthur Cotterell, ABRAMS
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Arthur Cotterell ISBN: 9781468306057
Publisher: ABRAMS Publication: May 29, 2008
Imprint: Abrams Press Language: English
Author: Arthur Cotterell
ISBN: 9781468306057
Publisher: ABRAMS
Publication: May 29, 2008
Imprint: Abrams Press
Language: English

From the third century B.C. Shang Emperor's obsessive—and fatal—attempts to engage the Immortals with cosmologically pleasing urban planning, Chinese emperors have designed their imperial capitals in ways that reveal the heart of their dynasty. In a history peopled with countless races, nationalities, and faiths, capital city ley lines display religious preoccupations and building design shows cultural influences of the period. The Tang capital at Chang’an betrays the striking creativity and cultural receptiveness that earmark the era as a literary and artistic golden age, and the Forbidden City of fifteenth century Beijing still stands as testament to Ming dynasty architectural virtuosity. Arthur Cotterell provides an inside view of the rich array of characters, political and ideological tensions, and technological genius that defined the imperial cities of China, as each in turn is uncovered, explored, and celebrated. The oldest continuous civilization in existence today stands to become the most influential.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From the third century B.C. Shang Emperor's obsessive—and fatal—attempts to engage the Immortals with cosmologically pleasing urban planning, Chinese emperors have designed their imperial capitals in ways that reveal the heart of their dynasty. In a history peopled with countless races, nationalities, and faiths, capital city ley lines display religious preoccupations and building design shows cultural influences of the period. The Tang capital at Chang’an betrays the striking creativity and cultural receptiveness that earmark the era as a literary and artistic golden age, and the Forbidden City of fifteenth century Beijing still stands as testament to Ming dynasty architectural virtuosity. Arthur Cotterell provides an inside view of the rich array of characters, political and ideological tensions, and technological genius that defined the imperial cities of China, as each in turn is uncovered, explored, and celebrated. The oldest continuous civilization in existence today stands to become the most influential.

More books from ABRAMS

Cover of the book The Edge Becomes the Center by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book Fire and Sword by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book The Man in the Picture by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book This is Our Youth by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book Whale Shines by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book The Prince by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book An Ordinary Story by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book The Error of Our Ways by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book 100 Things I Love to Do with You by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book The Royal Physician's Visit by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book Gringos by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book In a Forest, Dark and Deep by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book Ferocious Fluffity by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book How To Make Friends and Then Kill Them by Arthur Cotterell
Cover of the book Brilliant by Arthur Cotterell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy