China lives in its villages, but there is no prototypical village. The variety of village designs, settlement patterns, housing forms, cultural practices, and economic activities is as variegated as China itself. This excellent book comprises 17 chapter-length studies of villages throughout China by U.S. and Chinese geographers, anthropologists, and regional planners. Four general chapters provide the historical, political, ecological, and cultural contexts. Without jargon and with great economy and insight, the authors expertly escort the reader on a fascinating tour of village China that highlights elements of continuity as well as changes wrought by political turmoil and economic progress. This copiously illustrated book will interest informed general readers as well as a specialized academic audience.

- Steven I. Levine, Boulder Run Research, Hillsborough, N.C.