BENJAMIN'S SECOND BOOK. BENJAMIN, ASHER. 1773-1845; and DANIEL RAYNERD. American Builder's Compa...

BENJAMIN'S SECOND BOOK. BENJAMIN, ASHER. 1773-1845; and DANIEL RAYNERD. American Builder's Companion. Boston: Etheridge and Bliss, 1806. 4to (264 x 205 mm). Contemporary calf, upper cover embossed 'Wm.Cook,' worn, some staining, leaves browned. Provenance: Wm. Cook (stamped to binding, stamp to upper margin title page). FIRST EDITION OF BENJAMIN'S SECOND BOOK, THE THIRD ORIGINAL AMERICAN WORK ON ARCHITECTURE. In the introduction, Benjamin notes that the style of building in this country differs very considerably from that of Great Britain and that architects who rely on European publications are wasting their money. He concludes, '... we feel confident that this publication will be found to contain more useful information for the American workman than all the European works which have appeared in this country....' The plates in this work inspired countless builders, and they have been used to identify Benjamin as the architect of a number of important buildings in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Benjamin's 'plates formed a collection harmonious and almost always in perfect taste' (DAB). Hitchcock American Architecture Books 99. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing