RURAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE CHINESE TASTE

HALFPENNY, William and John.  RURAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE CHINESE TASTE.

(London): Robert Sayer, 1752. 8vo. Contemporary full-calf. Engraved title leaf, 8 pages, 14 engraved plates; 5-8 pages, plates 15-28, of which 4 folding; 3-8 pages, plates 29-44, of which 7 folding; 2 pages, plates 45-60. Second edition. [Harris, 301; Schimmelman, 39].

First published in 1750 as New Designs for Chinese Temples in four parts each with its own title leaf.  Our copy of Rural Architecture is the first edition under the new title.  Halfpenny, one of the most popular authors of architectural pattern books, wrote for the workman and builder not for the gentleman or architect.  His work digested the essence of a particular style and transformed them into practical, simplified designs.  More than a dozen titles by him were in American libraries before the Revolution.  This title was found in the inventory of Peter Harrison--Newport's most famous architect before the Revolution.  It was also advertised for sale in Philadelphia by the end of the eighteenth century.  At least six of Halfpenny's titles are recorded in Virginia with Jefferson owning (or interested in) three titles including those on Gothic and Chinese designs.  Contemporary engraved armorial bookplate on front board.  Edges of front blank leaf and title page stained, else very good.

 

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