The Rudiments of Architecture: Being a Treatise on Practical Geometry, on Grecian and Roman Mouldings; Shewing the Best Method of Drawing Their Curves, with Remarks on the Effect of Both. Also, on the Origin of Building, on the Five Orders of Architecture, on Their General and Particular Parts and Embellishments; with Examples for Cornices, Base and Surbase Mouldings, Architraves, and Stairs. Correctly Engraved on Thirty-Two Copperplates. By Asher Benjamin. Boston, Printed for the author, by Munroe and Francis, No. 4, Cornell. 1814. First Edition, Repacked spine, 96 pp, 32 plates (one double-page), 8.75 x 5.5", 8vo. 

In fair condition. Leather boards scuffed at edges and worn/bumped at corners. Re-backed spine clean and intact. Gilt lettering on spine lacking lightly rubbed, but legible. Toning around edges of paste-downs and end-pages. Both front and rear gutters reinforced by previous binder. Water or tea dampness stain to top corner of front end-page. Water dampness stain found at bottom edge of front end-page through page 10. Previous ownership signature, in ink, found on front fly-leaf (verso): Jonathan Marsh. Toning and age-staining throughout text-block - mostly to plates and adjacent leaves. All plates intact. Restored binding tight and intact. Please see photos and ask questions, if any, before purchasing. 

   Asher Benjamin (1773-1845) was an American architect and author whose work transitioned between Federal architecture and the later Greek Revival architecture. His seven handbooks on design deeply influenced the look of cities and towns throughout New England until the Civil War. Builders also copied his plans in the Midwest and South. Benjamin exhibited an aptitude for architecture by carving Ionic capitals for the 1794 modifications to the Oliver Phelps House at Suffield, Connecticut. In 1795-1796 he designed and built a stone spiral staircase at the Old State House at Hartford, which had been designed by Charles Bulfinch.

   He built two large houses in Greenfield, Massachusetts, including the Leavitt House for Judge Jonathan Leavitt. In 1803, Benjamin was living in Boston, listed in the city directory as a housewright. He designed numerous churches and houses, and also appears to have conducted the country's first architecture school.  In 1823 and 1824, he was elected alderman of Boston as part of the "Middling Interest": a coalition of middle class entrepreneurs and artisans opposed to the Federalists, who supported Josiah Quincy for mayor. He assisted Mayor Quincy and Alexander Parr's in the planning of Quincy Market. 

FIRST EDITION OF ASHER BENJAMIN'S THIRD BOOK!

RAREA1814PWVX

05/25 - HK1560