During the late 17th century, explains Liu (English, Niagara County Community College, New York State), returning missionaries and other European travelers brought back from China a theory of beauty that transformed English garden layouts from symmetrical to asymmetrical. He explores the intricate horticultural interaction of the Far East and the West during the period, and its diverse aesthetic and philosophical implications. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)