Back Streets and Pine Trees, the work of John McMurtry,  nineteenth century architect-builder of Kentucky, Bur Press (1956). A RARE FIND for collectors of architectural or Kentucky history. Lancaster was a graduate student in the art department at the University of Kentucky in the late 1930s when he wrote his master's thesis on John McMurtry, a nineteenth-century Lexington builder and architect. This book is based on that thesis and the extensive research that went into it. It was published by Bur Press in 1956, and was hand set and hand printed on oriental paper in a limited edition of 250 copies. This copy is #79 of that limited printing. An exquisite achievement in book art, Back Streets and Pine Trees has justly become a valued rarity. (Clay Lancaster's Kentucky: Architectural Photographs of a Preservation Pioneer by J. D. Birchfield, University of Kentucky)   This hand-bound hardback book shows moderate signs of wear and age, including some deterioration of the red paper covering. The printed sticker on the spine has 2 small rips.  The hinges are creased but intact, and the binding is secure. Although slightly tanned, the  deckled-edged interior pages are clean and unmarked. All text and the beautifully detailed illustrations are clear and sharp. If this rare find is treated with care, it will stay in good condition for a very long time. Your purchase helps support the Lexington Public Library (Lexington, KY). Items are shipped from Lexington every business day.