The Book of Trades, or Library of the Useful Arts

(Children's Book)

Published by Published by Jacob Johnson, and for sale at his Book-Stores in Philadelphia, and in Richmond, Virginia . Dickinson, printer, White-Hall [PA], 1807

About this Item

First edition. With 66 copper engravings most by William Ralph. Vol. 1: [4], 140 pp. 23 plates (2 defective with loss, most with early vernacular hand coloring); v. 2: [4], 139, [1] pp. 24 plates (several with early child writing on the plates); v. 3: [4], 137, [1] pp. Lacking 4 leaves (B5, I6, K1-2). 19 plates. 3 vols. 12mo. The first illustrated book of trades, certainly the most comprehensive, printed in the United States. Although the title pages seem to call for a total of 67 copperplates, Welch notes there is no plate issued for the Watchmaker (the final plate in vol. 3); i.e., 66 in all. Many metal engravings are signed, "W.R." (i.e., William Ralph) and depict trades for both men and women, from bricklayers to pin makers. Notably the work includes illustrations and descriptions of trades relating to the book arts: printer, copper plate printer, engraver, papermaker, bookbinder, etc. Very rarely found with all three volumes, we note the last complete set in the auction records sold in 1971. Shaw & Shoemaker 12173 and 12840; Welch 116; Rosenbach 326 (the present defective copy of vol. III only); Rink 161; American Antiquarian Society, Society's Chief Joys 189 Near uniform red morocco backed marbled paper boards, heavily worn. Defects as noted above. Usual foxing. Various ownership inscriptions in each volume With 66 copper engravings most by William Ralph. Vol. 1: [4], 140 pp. 23 plates (2 defective with loss, most with early vernacular hand coloring); v. 2: [4], 139, [1] pp. 24 plates (several with early child writing on the plates); v. 3: [4], 137, [1] pp. Lacking 4 leaves (B5, I6, K1-2). 19 plates. 3 vols. 12mo.

Seller Inventory # 373732

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Book of Trades, or Library of the Useful Arts
• Publisher: Published by Jacob Johnson, and for sale at his Book-Stores in Philadelphia, and in Richmond, Virginia . Dickinson, printer, White-Hall [PA]
• Publication Date: 1807
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First edition.
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)