Rare original edition of a very important and most richly illustrated model book on timber frame construction for use of carpenters, beautifully bound by E. Vogel (fl. 1814-1849) from Paris, one of the best French bookbinders from the Romantic era, who signed his name on the spine. The work, in all probability, is the first book devoted entirely to carpentry. It describes no less than 125 different projects by the French architect Mathurin Jousse (1607-1692), offering a wide variety of wooden constructions, from timber-frames for all sorts of buildings, roofs, towers, fortresses, barns, bridges, and theatres, to staircases, balconies, and pigeon coops. Each project is illustrated.
Little is known of the author, who published a treatise on locks and metalwork at Griveau's press in the same year, and a work on stereotomy in 1635. He may have been connected with the Jesuit college at La Fleche, possibly as its architect. Another edition of the present work was published by Griveau in 1650, followed by further editions in 1664, 1692, 1702 and 1751. The treatise added at the end is meant for an extra general instruction on perspective and proportions and the five orders of columns. In the explanation of the plates the specific carpenters jargon is found, which is partly still used and understood until the present day.
Bound by E. Vogel (fl. 1814-1849). The edges and corners of the boards are slightly scuffed, the head and foot of the spine show signs of wear. A library stamp from the École nationale des beaux arts on the title page, and a deaccession stamp from 1934 underneath. Some of the leaves are browned, manuscript corrections of the page numbers on some of the leaves, the lower outer corner of page 165 has been reinforced. Otherwise in good condition. Berlin Kat. 2533 & 2370; Cioranescu 36811; Harris, p. 253; USTC 6804621; cf. BAL II, 1639 (ed. 1702); Fowler Archit. Collection 162 (ed. 1751); Weinreb, I, 80 (ed. 1751).