The Burmese tradition of architecture, art and design is ancient, diverse and wonderfully rich. A reflection of a civilization unbreached by European powers for 3,000 years and influenced by China to the north and India to the West, Burmese design is interwoven with spiritual, religious and political messages. It is only now that this tradition is coming to be appreciated by Western students of architecture and design.Burmese Design and Architecture will deepen and enhance that appreciation, for this is the first book to capture the entire span of Burmese design, from arts and crafts to architecture, from the monumental pagodas of Bagan to the architectural heritage of contemporary Rangoon. Covering both religious and secular design, this book offers expert insights provided by leading archaeological experts in this field. With 500 full-color photographs, this is a major work-and a must-have for serious connoisseurs of architecture, design or Burma itself.

John Falconer is a curator in the British Library. He studied English at Cambridge University and then worked in industrial photography for some years Elizabeth Moore is Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Art and Archaeology, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London Daniel Kahrs is an expert on Burmese architecture and crafts and has made over 100 trips to Myanmar since 1981 Alfred Birnbaum is a writer and editor Virginia McKeen Di Crocco, long-time Honorary Secretary of the Siam Society in Bangkok, has led study trips for the Society and other organizations, published articles on Myanmar art and is conducting research on Burmese art history Joe Cummings has lived and travelled in Southeast Asia since 1977, pursuing his twin passions for art history and cuisine Luca Invernizzi Tettoni's special interest is archaeology. His photographs illustrate the pages of scholarly studies