British Architectural Books and Writers: 1556-1785

Originally published in 1990, this account of architectural books printed in Britain surveys a body of complex literature largely uncharted in bibliographical terms. It is however, more than a work of reference, and will fascinate anyone interested in British cultural and social history, the relationship between Britain and continental Europe, and the history of the book trade. For each of the 220 authors covered there is an essay discussing his interests, the purpose and the genesis of his publications. A detailed bibliographical description of the author’s architectural publications follows each essay and gives details of the first and subsequent editions of some four hundred titles. The main body of the text is preceded by general essays on books on the Orders, bridges, archaeology, engraving, publishing and bookselling; manuals of carpentry and design; and pattern-books. There are detailed indexes.