BLONDEL, Jacques-François (1705-1774). Cours d'architecture, ou Traité de la décoration, distribution & construction des bâtiments.Paris: Chez Desaint, 1771-77.

First edition of the “Petit Blondel,”containing Blondel’s “entire lifetime experience as an architect and a teacher” (Millard). Known as the “Petit Blondel” to distinguish it from the four folio volumes of L’Architecture françoise(1752-56) which form the “Grand Blondel,” this work sets out the content of the courses given by Blondel at the École des Arts, a private school that he founded in Paris in 1743. The last two volumes were completed and published after his death by his former assistant, the architect Pierre Patte (1723-1812). “This Cours d’architecture, rich in material of great interest to the student of this period, became the standard handbook of its day, largely superseding those of François Blondel and D’Aviler” (Fowler). Berlin Kat. 2429; Fowler 51; Millard 29; RIBA I 296.

Nine volumes (6 text volumes and 3 plate volumes), octavo (200 x 122mm). 377 engraved plates, many folding, of plans, buildings, architectural elements, and figures by Croisy, La Gardette, Le Roy, Michelinot, Milsan, Pelletier, Ransonnette, etc. after Blondel, Bonnet, Cauchois and others. Contemporary speckled calf, spines gilt, red and green titling morocco titling pieces, silk ribbon bookmarks (light wear).