THE CARPENTER'S TREASURE

WALLIS, N.  THE CARPENTER'S TREASURE; A COLLECTION OF DESIGNS FOR TEMPLES.

London: I. Taylor, (1773). Large 8vo. Contemporary blue wrappers. (iv) pages, 16 engraved plates. First edition. [Harris, 900].

All recorded copies state on the title page "A New Edition."  The present copy, without any edition statement on the title, with the plates still fresh and with no trace of any wear, point to it being 'the' first edition.  The earliest recorded copy, as here, contains the advertisement listing William Pain's Practical Builder published in 1774, and bears the imprint of 'I. Taylor at the Bible & Crown in Holborn.'  Later editions drop the advertisements with the imprint 'I. & J. Taylor, nearly opposite Great Turnstile, Holborn.'  Harris and other scholars have verified that it is the first.  A second and third were published in 1790 and 1800.  Our copy has the two-page advertisement of books sold by Taylor frequently missing.  Wallis compiled only three pattern books, this one unique in featuring both Gothic and Chinese designs, popular with American craftsmen.  Neo-classical ornaments are featured in his other works.  Wallis's pattern books were in colonial America and were sold in Boston before the end of the eighteenth century.  Specific details from Wallis's pattern books can also be found in colonial Virginia furniture.  A most attractive copy.

$4,850.00