The New Carpenters’ Guide, Being A Complete Book Of Lines For Carpentry, &C. On Methods Entirely New; Founded On Geometrical Principles, Wherein The Utility Of Every Line Will Be Fully Exemplified By Practice. Nicholson, (Peter) Architecture

London, printed for and sold by the author, No.62, Berwick-Street. Sold also by Messrs. Taylor, No.56, Holborn, 1792. First edition. Quarto. (vi), [2], 40pp, 42pp, [4]. Illustrated with 60 full page engraved plates. The rare first edition of Peter Nicholson’s influential technical reference work for carpenters, reprinted in numerous editions well into the middle of the 19th century. The main work contains 40 diagrammatic plates, each with a corresponding page of descriptive text that describes the process for setting out the parts and calculating the requisite angles for a range of complex but probably fairly ubiquitous carpentry tasks. These include amongst others, the construction of various types of groins, all manner of roofs and niches, handrails for staircases, shop fronts, cornices and soffits. The main work is followed by an appendix, the first few pages of which, feature a critique of other author’s works on carpentry. This is followed by a section on calculating the comparative strength of timber. The appendix then continues with a further 20 diagrammatic plates accompanied by descriptive text. These cover additional theorems for calculating the angles of roofs, staircases, circular windows and groins. The appendix is followed by a 4 page list of subscribers. Some of those named are described as ‘carpenter’, ‘builder’ or ‘architect’ and the list includes T(homas) Sheraton ‘author of the Cabinet-Maker’s Drawing Book’ as well as John Harrison, this copy’s original owner whose name is inscribed on the front pastedown. Though definitely a very technical manual, for those concerned with the construction of complex geometrical structures in wood, the techniques outlined in this work must have been invaluable in assisting with the calculations and processes involved. This is a rare work with Rare Book Hub recording only a single copy having been sold at auction, at Sothebys in 1967. Bound in contemporary full sheepskin boards, neatly rebacked and re-cornered in later buckram with the original spine label re-used. A later owner’s ink signature to the upper corner of the dust-soiled title page. Occasional finger-marking and dust-soiling throughout as would be expected of a book that was likely to have seen practical use. A tear (with no loss) to the lower corner of the first page of the appendix has been crudely repaired in the distant past with strips of gummed paper taken from the margin of a sheet of postage stamps. Otherwise, this is a clean copy of a rare work with the text block sound and the binding in good condition. NB The price of this item is negotiable dependent on your chosen payment method. Further photographs available on request. Please feel welcome to make contact if you have any questions about this item or to discuss payment options. Size: 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall