BENJAMIN, Asher (1773-1845). The Country Builder’s Assistant: Containing a Collection of New Designs of Carpentry and Architecture. Greenfield, MA: Thomas Dickman, 1797.

First edition of the first original American architecture book, in a contemporary sheep binding. Asher Benjamin began his career as an apprentice builder in Connecticut and left his distinctive mark on the architecture of New England in many notable houses, churches, and civic buildings. His most enduring influence came through his pattern books, which defined the "late colonial" style in America and provided a home-grown architectural guide in place of the imported or re-printed English pattern books of the previous generation. It contains 30 plates exploring all aspects of architecture and carpentry. The cornerstone of any collection of American architecture. Evans 31797; Hitchcock 111.

Octavo (194 x 139mm). 30 engraved plates, 2 of which folding (browned with some offsetting and spotting; text leaf for pls. 12 and 13 detached, pl. 27 detached at folds, some short closed tears in printed area). Contemporary mottled sheep (worn around the edges, chipped at top of spine, front flyleaf detached). Custom chemise and slipcase.