Bettels, who does research travel in China, presents a publication based on a documentation project published by the Jiangsu Fine Arts Publishing House in Nanjing. The buildings date from the Ming and Quing dynasties (about 1368 to 1949) and illuminate some of the traditional architectural styles such as highly developed cave buildings of the yellow earth areas in Central China, courtyards from old cities in Beijing, various types of houses (overhanging, stilt, etc.), rammed earth buildings, earth castles, and fortresses. The illustrations also show how the buildings are constructed, with special attention paid to local features, and technical and aesthetic details. Extensively illustrated with color and b&w photographs. The accompanying text appears in both English and German. Distributed by Art Media Resources, Ltd. Oversize: 9.25x12. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)