Originally published in 1883, this dictionary was commenced as an amended edition of that written by M Ernest Bosc, Architect of Paris, and contains the 450 engravings published in the French work, to which about 250 more have been added. Little or nothing, however, of the text of M E Bosc's has been left standing. The whole work as it now stands, has been drawn from or carefully corrected by, the best authorities in each of its special branches. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.