San Francisco Chinatown: A Guide to Its History and Architecture July 25, 2012

Philip P. Choy celebrates the release of San Francisco Chinatown: A Guide to Its History and Architecture, an "insider's guide" to one of America's most celebrated ethnic enclaves. The first book of its kind and written by architect and Chinese American studies pioneer Philip Choy, San Francisco Chinatown details the triumphs and tragedies of the Chinese American experience in the United States. Both a history of America's oldest Chinese community and a guide to its significant sites and architecture, the book traces the development of the neighborhood from the city's earliest days to its post-quake transformation into an "oriental" tourist attraction as a pragmatic means of survival. Featuring a building-by-building breakdown of the most significant sites in Chinatown, the guide is lavishly illustrated with historical and contemporary photographs and offers walking tours for tourists and locals alike.

Retired architect and renowned historian of Chinese America, Philip P. Choy co-taught the nation's first college level course in Chinese American history at San Francisco State University. Since then he has created and consulted on numerous TV documentaries, exhibits, and publications. He has served on the California State Historic Resource Commission, on the San Francisco Landmark Advisory Board, and as President of the Chinese Historical Society of America. He is the recipient of the prestigious San Francisco State University President's Medal.