8vo (203 x 133 mm). 30 engraved plates, 2 of which are folding (spotting and offsetting throughout, contemporary architectural drawing and notations to preliminary blank). Contemporary mottled sheep (rubbed, 4 1/2" split at front hinge, soiling). Provenance: Illegible contemporary ownership inscription; Joseph Lloyd (bookplate).

THE EARLIEST BOOK OF ARCHITECTURE PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES AND WRITTEN BY AN AMERICAN.

FIRST EDITION. The Country Builder's Assistant was the first architectural handbook written by an American architect and printed in the United States, and included modifications of designs popularized by architects James Gibbs and Colen Campbell of Great Britain which had been scaled down to fit the aesthetic sensibilities and finances of New England communities. Because of this, Benjamin's designs more than those of any architect influenced the look and feel of American architecture right up to the Civil War. "There is scarcely a village which in moulding profiles, cornice details, church spire, or farm-house does not reflect this influence" (DAB). Copies of the first edition are scarce due to heavy contemporary use. Rink 2482; Evans 31797; Hitchcock 111; Romaine 245:21; ESTC W11972.