This work is for me, a long-awaited compendium of some of the best literature in both English and Chinese on Chen Taijiquan. Although this is not an "instructional" book per se - the book has no photos breaking down technique - this work is a must for the serious Taiji boxer. Understanding Taiji principles and theory is crucial to finding success in the art. And for Chen Taiji practitioners, it's absolutely essential.
To that end, this book manages to capture the plethora of thought ever published on the science of Chen Taijiquan, including a very nice historical summary. Standout chapters include clear explanations of Chen Taiji's "Ba Fa" or eight powers, Chen style push hands, and a decent explanation of the proper execution of "fa jing" (power issuing) ever to appear in English for the laymen.
As a longtime Chen Taiji boxer and writer on the subject, I particularly appreciated the authors' use of many quotes from famous Chen Taiji masters. Translated passages include quotes from: Chen Wangting, the style's founder; Chen Changxing, the compiler of the "Lao Jia" (Old Frame) and teacher of Yang Luchan; Chen Zhaopei, the beloved master that singlehandedly revived boxing practice in Chen village during one of China's most tumultous periods; Chen Zhaokui, the highly skilled son of the famed grandmaster, Chen Fake; and Chen Xiaowang, the current standard bearer. Also, the work contains a few diagrams with translations from the respected Taiji master and author Gu Liuxin and the noted Chen family boxing scholar, Chen Xin.
So needless to say, I highly recommend this book. I would have given it five stars if, for all of it's comprehensiveness, the work contained more photos of the masters without as many pictures of the authors. Regardless, I congratulate them on producing a landmark book on Chen Taijiquan, while raising the bar on martial arts literature in English. Great job!