A Key To Civil Architecture; Or, The Universal Builder

London: R. Baldwin, 1788. Third edition. leather_bound. Modern full brown calf. Fine. 387 pages. 21 x 13 cm. Two engraved folding plates of circular staircases and components. Originally published 1774. COLVIN p.739. "advertised himself in "Aris's Birmingham Gazette" as a Surveyor and Builder from London, who proposes drawing Plans, Elevations and Sections.....He was a carpenter and joiner by trade." This work presents a detailed discussion of the methods and practices of measuring materials and estimating jobs. Moderate age-toning, portion of second plate professionally repaired and restored in facsimile on old paper, raised bands, spine label printed in gilt, cover border panels decorated in blind. (Inventory #: 17902)