Building in China: Henry K. Murphy's “Adaptive Architecture,” 1914–1935. By Jeffrey W. Cody. [Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2001. xxiv+264 pp. $38.00. ISBN 962-201-871-8.]

This book demonstrates Jeffrey Cody's affection for Henry Murphy's use and promotion of the traditions of Chinese architecture. Murphy combined the traditional Chinese characteristics of elevation, roof form and axial symmetry with contemporary technologies in order to achieve “structural significance” and “purity of form and colour.” He achieved this during long periods spent in China where he brought together teams of American and Chinese-American architects while taking special care with clients and contractors.