Beijing - The Treasures of an Ancient Capital

BEIJING-the Treasures of an Ancient Capital is a large-format, richly illustrated book on Beijing (Peking) with a mine of information. It traces the city's history from ancient times up to the end of the Qing (1644-1911), the last feudal dynasty in China. On the basis of historical records and archaeological finds, it tells how Beijing developed through the dynasties, but as a major city in North China and as the national capital during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. While providing the political, economic and religious background, the book devotes most of its space to art and culture, particularly architecture and garden designing, as well as court life and folk custom. Many of the photographs are of historical relics and paintings of a high artistic value, making the book at once informative and enjoyable.