GIBBS, James (1682-1754). A Book of Architecture Containing Designs of Buildings And Ornaments. London: n.p., 1728.

GIBBS, James (1682-1754). A Book of Architecture Containing Designs of Buildings And Ornaments. London: n.p., 1728.

2° (486 x 342mm). 149 (of 150) engraved plates including 4 double-page, with dedication and explanatory leaves. (Lacking plate 22, first few leaves and last few plates soiled and dampstained, some occasional spotting and soiling.) 19th-century half-calf (spine rebacked retaining lettering-piece, extremities rubbed).

FIRST EDITION. The influence of this work ws enormous, reaching further than the country gentlemen at whom it was aimed, to India, South Africa, West Indies, and to America where it was a primary source of inspiration for the White House. Gibbs was the first to produce independently a book of his own designs. Harris 257; Fowler p. 118; Berlin Kat. 2270.