This book provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Beijing’s urban structure in the 20th century, analyzing essential social and economic changes in the housing sector. Focusing on the urban changes that took place under the market economy after 1978 and beyond, the book addresses the demolition of courtyard houses in Beijing’s old city, the relocation of low-income families from the old city, the government’s role regarding housing in the city, and residential segregation in Beijing. Expanding on the author’s PhD thesis at the University of Cambridge, it is illustrated with a wealth of historic photos and maps of Beijing. Presenting relevant descriptions, extensive literature and case studies, the book offers a valuable resource for students and scholars of architecture, urban studies and Chinese studies. First published in 2013 by Pace in Hong Kong, it has since been added to the libraries of many distinguished universities, including Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Columbia, Yale, Stanford, Cornell, U Penn, NYU, UC Berkeley, Hong Kong University, UBC in Canada and the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa.

In earlier times, for the Chinese, Korea was 'the country of courteous people from the east', and for westerners 'the land of the morning calm' or 'hermit kingdom'. In this fascinating collection of writings on times past in Korea the author helps to lift the veil on this once closed country, providing the reader with a wide selection of first-hand accounts by travellers who 'discovered' Korea - some as snapshots by those passing through, others more detailed evaluations of Korean culture and everyday life by those who spent time there. The collection covers a period of over 400 years - from Hendrik Hamel's journal of the 1600s to early 20th century records, such as Roy C. Andrew's 1918 published account of his expedition, entitled Exploring Unknown Corners of the 'Hermit Kingdom'.