Early Weaving Pattern Book

(WEAVER'S PATTERN BOOK)  KIRSCHBAUM, Johann Michael.  NEURES BILD UND MUSTERBUCH ZUR BEFORDERUNG DER EDLEN LEINEN.  

Heilbronn: Eckebrechtischen, 1771. Oblong 4to. Contemporary paste paper boards. Engraved title leaf, 15 leaves of text interspersed, 74 plates (3 of which are printed in colored inks,) and 6 red-ink templates. First edition.

A beautiful, early weaving pattern book, with intricate geometric designs reminiscent of early American homespun coverlets.  Bronson, in his book The Domestic Manufacturer's Assistant, singled out this book.  While all issues have seventy-four plates, the number of text leaves vary.  Our copy has twenty-one printed sides on fifteen leaves, which seems to be the most recorded.  In addition to being a landmark weaving book, it is also a cornerstone in the development of the computer.  The Charles Babbage Research Center recently (1999) reprinted it.  The plates in our copy are for the most part strong impressions.  There are also three templates, printed in red, with original designs.  The book is rare.  OCLC records only one copy of the first edition, as does the NUC.  Some cover wear; a few plates handled; overall a very attractive copy of a great rarity.

$6,850.00