The Country Builder's Assistant, Fully Explaining, the Best Methods for Striking Regular and Quirked Mouldings (The First Original American Book of Architecture)

Asher Benjamin

Published by Spotswood and Etheridge, Boston, 1798

About this Item

The 1798 2nd edition (following the exceedingly scarce 1797 1st edition) of "the first original American book of architecture" and the first book published by legendary American architect and author Asher Benjamin (1773-1845). In other words, the first original work both written AND published in America (in Boston). Complete with 37 engraved plates, as called for. A solid, sound, relatively well-preserved copy. Bound either in the publisher's original full-calf or, at the very least, in a contemporary-to-the-period calf. With a light amount of inevitable scuffing and wear along the panels, and intermittent --but not especially intrusive-- foxing to the text. The binding, although a bit delicate at the gutters, is still strong and sturdy. Signed at both pastedowns and at the rear endsheet by "W.H. Woodward" (not to be confused with the great early to mid 18th century Irish architect Benjamin Woodward). Octavo, plates 25 and 33 fold-outs. All plates (except 9,10,17,18,29,30,31,32 and 33) including their facing captions, which are anywhere from 1 to 3 pgs. in length. Even to this day, "The Country Builder's Assistant" is considerd a seminal title in early American architecture and carpentry, having introduced the appeal of Classical design to a wide New England audience. (Henry-Russell Hitchcock, "American Architectural Books", #112). Seller Inventory # 23103

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Country Builder's Assistant, Fully ...

Publisher: Spotswood and Etheridge, Boston

Publication Date: 1798

Binding: Full leather

Condition: Very Good