本书作者以文化拾穗的方式论述了江南民居的生成发展条件和文化内涵，它以合院式形制，大屋顶、木构架、抬梁与穿斗结合。江南民居不仅仅是住人的容器，而且还有品节制度、礼仪精神。作者还论述了江南传统大屋中人与天地之间的辩证关系。

Preface
Chapter I: The Country Grows from under the Roof of the House
Chapter II: The Walls South of the Yangtze--Beauty Lies in AppropriateMake-ups
Chapter III: The Entrance--the Gate of Folk Houses South of the Yangtze
Chapter IV: Courtyard and Patio forSacrifice to Heaven and Ancestors
Chapter V: The Moral and Majestic Institution of Folk Houses
Chapter VI : The Space Frame and Pattern of Folk Houses--theLand-attached Character and Agriculture-centered Feature
Chapter VII: Instructive Functions of Folk Homes
Chapter VIII : Environmental Awareness and Universality of Folk Homes
Chapter IX : Stonework and Carpen- try of Folk Houses
Chapter X : Stucco-covered Walls and Dark Blue. Tiles--The Natural Beauty of Folk Houses
Index
Postscript