Rural Architecture in the Chinese Taste

HALFPENNY, William and John.  RURAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE CHINESE TASTE.  Four parts in one volume, complete.

(London): Robert Sayer, 1755. 8vo. Contemporary full-calf. Engraved title leaf, 8 pages, 24 engraved plates; 8 pages, 25-28 folding plates; 4 pages, 29-44 plates, 7 of which are folding; 8 pages, 45-64 plates, 7 of which are folding. Third edition. [Harris, 302].

This is the best edition of Halfpenny's work, containing four additional folding plates not found in any of the others.  The title appears as a notation in Thomas Jefferson's 1783 Manuscript Catalogue but the volume is not listed as being part of his later libraries.  From outdoor furniture and ornamentation at Montecello and the University of Virginia, there is more than anecdotal evidence that the book was used by Jefferson in shaping the work of early Virginia craftsmen.  Halfpenny was a most popular author in America, and particularly in Virginia.  Rural Architecture in the Chinese Taste was also found in the inventory of Peter Harrison, Newport's leading architect prior to the Revolution.  According to Shimmelman, it was also advertised as being for sale in Philadelphia during the eighteenth century.  The work was first published in parts from 1750 through 1752 under the title New Designs for Chinese Temples.  The four additional folding plates showing pagoda roof construction, only appear in the 1755 edition. A very good copy in contemporary, full, mottled calf.  Rare thus.

$5,800.00