The Town and Country Builder's Assistant

Boston: John Norman, 1786. Full leather. Very Good +. The 1786 1st edition of "the first contribution to the field of architecture compiled in America. After issuing the 1st American edition of Swan's The British Architect, the publisher, John Norman, came to Boston and published this work, compiled from various English sources, containing 60 plates depicting interior and exterior designs from homes and public buildings. 'In its house plans and details this collection more nearly approaches the needs of the average well-to-do man than the more ambitious reprint of The British Architect' (AAS). The frontispiece is from Isaac Ware's 1756 'The Complete Body of Architecture' and other content is drawn from the works of Batty Langley and other pattern book authors. Born in England, Norman describes himself in the subtitle of this work as a 'lover of architecture' but he never seems to have practiced as one, working primarily as an engraver and publisher" (Christie's, 2022). Only 3 complete copies are recorded at auction in the last 50 years, including the copy from the William Reese Collection, sold at Christie's (New York) in June of 2022. (Evans 20027; Hitchcock 856; see "The Colonial Scene—1602-1800," in Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society [April 1950], p. 74). Folio, engraved allegorical frontispiece and 60 engraved plates. Beautifully rebound in a full plum morocco --and signed in gilt at the front pastedown-- by Rene Kieffer of Paris within the last 50 to 75 years. Matching marbled endpapers and pastedowns as well, with lovely decorative gilt-bordering. Also includes a lime-green, custom printed slipcase, with bright gilt-titling and bordering --and decorative flouishes-- along the spine. Some wear at the bottom-edge but still sturdy and very presentable.