Feng Shui Revealed: An Aesthetic, Practical Approach to the Ancient Art of Space Alignment
Too many books on feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of space arrangement, come off like so much New Age handwaving. R.D. Chin, an accomplished architect and feng shui master, presents feng shui in a new light, pointing out the common sense behind the folklore in his introductory section onch'i(the flowing energy of every room) and theba-gua, the octagonal guide to the traditional elements of space. The main meat of the book is in the middle section, which presents 14 of Chin's high-end feng shui consultations, from a SoHo loft to a round Frank Lloyd Wright house in the woods. The treatments of the various "problems," such as poor room placement, sharp corners, and the constricting feeling of overhead beams, are well explained in terms more architectural than geomantic, and are applicable to any home, no matter how modest. The book's final section is a set of "cookbook" feng shui problems and cures, such as mirrors to counter the negative energy of a blank wall, flowers to counter unfriendly feelings in the office, and birdbaths to welcome wildlife and give a sense of tranquility. The serene photography gives this the delicious feel of a luxurious coffee-table book.