Boston, 1806-1851

BENJAMIN, Asher (1773-1845). Twenty books by Asher Benjamin. Boston: 1806-1851.

Extensive run of Asher Benjamin’s work, deeply influential to Federal and Greek revival architecture in America, and including first editions of six of seven of his works (all except his first work). As much as any other single individual, Asher Benjamin is responsible for the classical look of New England towns and cities. He published his first architecture book when he was just 25, and his works went into dozens of editions in his lifetime, guiding myriad builders and architects in both design and construction in the new nation. Comprises:

1. The American Builder’s Companion. Boston: Etheridge & Bliss, proprietors, 1806. With Daniel Raynerd. First edition of the third original American architecture book. Contemporary sheep, black morocco lettering piece (rubbed).

2. The American Builder’s Companion. Boston: R.P. & C. Williams for the author, 1816. Stated third edition. Contemporary sheep (rebacked, red morocco spine label preserved).

3. The American Builder’s Companion. Boston: R.P. & C. Williams, 1820. Stated fourth edition. Contemporary sheep (well-worn, upper cover nearly detached).

4. The American Builder’s Companion. Boston: R.P. & C. Williams, 1826. Stated fifth edition. Contemporary sheep remboitage (rubbed, detached from text). Custom cloth clamshell box.

5. Practice of Architecture. Boston: published by the Author and Carter, Hendee, 1833. First edition. Contemporary speckled sheep (spine and edges darkened).

6. Practice of Architecture. Boston: Benjamin B. Mussey, 1836. Stated third edition. (Incomplete.) Contemporary sheep remboitage (contents detached, interesting sewing).

7. Practice of Architecture. Boston: John P. Hill, 1847. Stated fifth edition. Modern quarter calf.

8. The Practical House Carpenter. Boston: Published by the Author, R.P., & C. Williams, 1830. First edition of Asher’s fourth and most popular book. Contemporary sheep (spine panel, upper cover and f.f.e. detached).

9. The Practical House Carpenter. Boston: by the Proprietors, 1832. Stated third edition. Contemporary sheep (rebacked to style).

10. The Practical House Carpenter. Boston: by the Proprietors, 1835. Stated fourth edition. (Some dampstain.) Modern quarter calf over marbled boards.

11. The Architect, or Practical House Carpenter. Boston: Benjamin Mussey, 1840. (Tear from title-page.) Modern quarter calf.

12. The Architect, or Practical House Carpenter. Boston: Benjamin Mussey, 1845. Contemporary sheep (rubbed).

13. The Architect, or Practical House Carpenter. Boston: Benjamin Mussey, 1851. Contemporary sheep (rubbed, joints started).

14. The Builder’s Guide. Boston: Perkins and Marvin, 1839. First edition of Asher’s sixth book. Contemporary half sheep over marbled boards, black morocco spine label (spine and corners rubbed).

15. The Builder’s Guide. Boston: Benjamin B. Mussey, 1843. Contemporary sheep (rubbed, rebacked).

16. The Builder’s Guide. Boston: Benjamin B. Mussey, 1850. Contemporary sheep (rebacked).

17. The Rudiments of Architecture. Boston: for the author by Munroe and Francis, 1814. First edition. Octavo. (Some repairs to fore-margins.) Modern quarter calf over marbled boards.

18. The Rudiments of Architecture. Boston: R.P. & C. Williams, 1820. States second edition. Octavo. Contemporary sheep (rebacked).

19. Elements of Architecture. Boston: Benjamin Mussey, 1843. First edition of Asher’s last work. Octavo. Original half roan (well-rubbed).

20. Elements of Architecture. Boston: Benjamin Mussey, 1849. Stated second edition. Octavo. Original cloth (worn, spine torn).

Together, 20 volumes. Quartos except as noted. All illustrated with engravings. Condition varies, generally with browning and foxing and frequent early ownership markings.