Moxon on Handy Works

MOXON, Joseph.  MECHANICK EXERCISES: OR THE DOCTRINE OF HANDY-WORKS.

London: D. Midwinter and T. Leigh, 1703. 8vo. Contemporary full panelled-calf. (viii), 352, (2) pages, 26 plates. Third edition. [Harris, 583].

First published in 1677, the third (and best) edition adds a section on the bricklayer's trade and on Mechanick Dyalling: Shewing how to draw a true Sun-Dyal on any given plane, however Scituated.  Mechanick Exercises is the first work of its kind--a practical workman's manual on the tools and crafts of the building trades: smithing, joinery, carpentry, turning, and bricklaying.  It became the harbinger for the series of builder's manuals written throughout the eighteenth century.  William Byrd of Virginia owned a copy in his impressive library at Westover, while Benjamin Franklin had a copy of the second edition (1693-1694).  Contemporary owner's signature in ink on front blank leaf; "Jno. Reddish His Book, Nov. ye 12: 1734." Slight stains marking lower edge of some gatherings.  Front hinge weak, but still attached; still a respectable copy of a rare book.

$4,650.00