Deals with the world of carpenters and joiners in late Imperial China, discussing both the technical and the religious and ritual aspects of building. It uses as its point of departure a hitherto unused source: the 15th-century carpenter's manual "Lu Ban Jing". The book examines building materials, the life of labourers and craftsmen, and the process of building a house. Topics covered include the choice of favourable measurements and the ritual of raising the ridge pole. Also featured is an annotated translation of the "Lu Ban Jing", preceded by a bibliographic essay, and a facsimile of its richly illustrated earliest edition, dating from ca 1600.