The New Practical Builder, and Workman's Companion...
London: Thomas Kelly, 1823. First edition. 4to: 10, [ii], 9-596, 8 + 183 plates interleaved with the text (sometimes bound as a separate volume) Lacks portrait. Title page is dated 1823, though some of the plates are dated 1825 (as usual). Text fresh and bright, very occasional light foxing to plates. The binding is in stunning condition, probably the best you will ever see on a book that was usually used in the field by workmen. Full tree calf, gilt fillets, marbled edges; more recent endpapers. Spine in six compartments with blind-stamping and a red leather label. A truly exceptional copy. Fine. Item #011763
This is the first edition of a very influential treatise that went into many editions. "Nicholson was one of the leading intellects behind 19th century building technology. He used his great ability as a mathematician to simplify many old formulae used by architectural draughtsmen as well as to devise new ones" (Colvin). Eight page printed note of a legal opinion "Barfield v. Nicholson and Kelly" bound in at end provided "Gratis to the purchasers of the New Practical Builder." Barfield claimed that the book was a piracy; he lost. Archer 225.1.
Price: $600.00