<DIV><i>The Living House</i> was the first book of its kind to present a detailed picture of the house within the social and symbolic worlds of Southeast Asian peoples. A pioneering title that has become a classic, this exemplary text draws on many sources of information, from architects and anthropologists, to the author's own firsthand research.<br><br>As it probes into the centrally significant role of houses within Southeast Asian social systems, <i>The Living House</i> reveals new insights into kinship systems, gender symbolism and cosmological ideas, ultimately uncovering basic themes concerning the idea of life and life processes themselves. A vivid picture emerges of how people shape buildings and buildings shape people, as rules about layout and uses of space have an impact on social relationships.<br><br>Although intended first and foremost as a work of anthropology, <i>The Living House</i> will also appeal to architects, scholars and the interested general reader.</div>