Asher Benjamin, 1798

BENJAMIN, Asher (1773-1845). The Country Builder’s Assistant, Fully Explaining, the Best Methods for Striking Regular and Quirked Mouldings. Boston: Spotswood and Etheridge for the author, 1798.

Second edition of the first original American architecture book. Before Benjamin’s work, architectural guides in America were all reproductions of or compilations from British pattern books. Its many editions testify to its popularity, as do the obvious traces of its influence in the built landscape of New England. This second edition, printed only a year after the first, includes 7 additional plates, containing some of Benjamin's most influential designs. Hitchcock 112.

Quarto (196 x 145mm). 37 engraved plates, 2 of which folding (occasional light spotting, pl. 33 repaired at folds and around the edges, some leaves neatly silked). Contemporary sheep (rebacked with new flyleaves, corners showing). Custom chemise and slipcase.