First English Trade Book on Ironwork

TIJOU, John.  A NEW BOOKE OF DRAWINGS INVENTED AND DESINED BY JOHN TIJOU.

(London: Louis Fondrin, 1723). Folio. Later calf. 20 double-page engraved plates. Second English edition. [Berlin Catalogue, 1323; Harris, 879].

First printed in 1689, this is the first English book on ironwork and one of the earliest trade catalogues in England.  It features Tijou's iron work at Hampton Court.  The illustrations are from Tijou's original plates, identical to those in the first edition except for the addition of titles and Fondrin's name.  This edition has now become as rare as the first.  J. Starkie Gardner called Tijou's book "the most important on blacksmith's work in this country."  Christopher Wren was Tijou's patron.  Tijou created iron-work for Hampton Court, Chatsworth, Trinity College, and other large projects begun by William and Mary.  Nine pages have been professionally remargined in the very best manner.  Very slight wear to the extremities of the spine and tips of the binding.  Overall an exceptionally nice copy of a rare book.  Only four copies of the first edition are cited by the NUC; none of the second.

$4,850.00