Anecdotes of Architecture

Author: Yang Yongsheng, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-01-01
Features: Since retiring from the frontline, I have had several opportunities each year to gather with new and old friends from the architectural field. After a few drinks and cups of tea, we often chat about stories of architects and professionals. The friends would say, "You have so much knowledge in your head; you should write it down so everyone can know. Otherwise, when the day comes that you leave this world, you'll take all this wisdom with you, which would be a pity." I once thought that even a small story could be expanded into a vivid and colorful article. However, despite having worked as an editor for half my life on architectural books, journals, and newspapers, my writing never quite took off. "Low ambition and high standards" became my "" (occupational disease). I never had the determination to write. This spring, when I had some free time, I tried my hand at writing several articles and submitted them to the China Construction News, Architectural News, Architectural Times, and China Reading News. To my surprise, the editors welcomed them, and three of the newspapers even (opened special columns for them). After the articles were published, they asked for more, which encouraged me to continue. In the end, I wrote 88 pieces. Thanks to the leadership of the China Architecture & Building Press, which I helped found in 1971, they were willing to compile these anecdotes into a book. During the compilation, I added some revisions to the previously published articles and included matching photos. Most of these anecdotes are based on personal experiences, while others are stories I heard or learned from books and documents. Writing these anecdotes was simply my way of singing a few songs of righteousness. As for whether they are enjoyable to read, only the readers can judge.
It should also be noted that many friends said that since the title is Anecdotes of the Hundred Architects, even if I couldn't write about a hundred people, at least I should write a hundred stories. To be honest, I didn’t want to pad the numbers. I poured my heart into writing these, and it was already exhausting. Considering that I have already compiled Words of the Hundred Architects, Letters of the Hundred Architects, and Comments of the Hundred Architects, including this book in the "Hundred Architects" series is like hitting a jackpot—it’s too convenient. Why bother to force it to be about a hundred people or a hundred stories?
This is an anthology of architectural anecdotes, collecting nearly a hundred untold secrets from the history of Chinese architecture. The book is rich in content, illustrated with photos, and offers both knowledge and readability, making it well worth reading.