<DIV>Bridges, the least known and understood of China's many wonders, are one of its most striking and resilient feats of architectural prowess. <i>Chinese Bridges</i> brings together a thorough look at these marvels from one of the world's leading experts on Chinese culture and historical geography, Ronald G. Knapp.<br><br>While many consider bridges to be merely utilitarian, the bridges of China move beyond that stereotype, as many are undeniably dramatic, even majestic and daring. <i>Chinese Bridges</i> illustrates in detail 20 well-preserved ancient bridges, along with descriptions and essays on the distinctive architectural elements shared by the various designs. For the first time in an English-language book, <i>Chinese Bridges</i> records scores of newly discovered bridges across China's vast landscape, illustrated with over 400 color photographs, as well as woodblock prints, historic images, paintings and line drawings.</div>