The American Builder's Companion
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American architect ASHER BENJAMIN (1773-1845) brought the influence of classical design to New England, and is hugely responsible for what we today consider the architectural charm of the region. He disseminated his ideas on elegance to ordinary builders via manuals such as this one, intended for local carpenters to use as a guide to imbue their own construction with a new elegance and urbanity. These guides were, as the evidence of New England's continuing allure itself demonstrates, wildly popular. This replica of the 1827 sixth edition of his classic work of architectural drawings and building plans, the first by an American architect, is complete with 70 beautiful plates illustrating everything from types of moldings, columns, and cornices to designs for friezes, door sashes, and other embellishments, as well as pleasing and useful floor plans for residences and public buildings. Part architectural primer, part do-it-yourself manual, this timeless work will delight students of architect, hobby carpenters, and anyone fascinated by fine design.

Paperback: 200 pages

Publisher: Cosimo Classics (September 1, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1602067813

ISBN-13: 978-1602067813

Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.4 x 11 inches

Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #815,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #353 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Reference > Architecture > Methods & Materials #1672 in Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > History #2140 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Architecture

This is one of the great pattern books of the nineteenth century. This, and others like it, were responsible for a greater proportion of excellent buildings not designed by architects than at any point since in the history of the USA.

An excellent historical work on architectural practices by one of the best known builders in colonial New England, You will want a print version for clarity and readability, as some things get jumbled in the digitization process, but it remains a good value for leisure reading, I like having it downloaded to my tablet for reference.

This is an early pattern book that was in circulation during the mid and late 1800's. It is good only as a historic resource for those wishing to further their studies in American architecture. It is not a practical book for a practicing architect, builder, or restoration buff. The plates are beautiful and the descriptive geometry is fascinating.

A lovely book. However it is highly technical and probably more suited for someone actually doing the woodworking. Despite having great illustrations it does not suit my needs at all, therefore I don;t know how to rate it.

It is an astounding piece of work that any devoted woodworking craftsman would do well to purchase. Considering the time it was written, considering the detailed information contained within, this needs to be viewed as a 'bible', it is that amazing.

This is the best source I've found for reproducing Greek Revival detail.

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