[NORMAN, John (1748-1817).] The Town and Country Builder’s Assistant. Boston: John Norman, [1786].

First edition of the first contribution to the field of architecture compiled in America. After issuing the first American edition of Swan’s The British Architect (see lot 49), Norman came to Boston and published this work, compiled from various English sources, containing 60 plates depicting interior and exterior designs from homes and public buildings. “In its house plans and details this collection more nearly approaches the needs of the average well-to-do man than the more ambitious reprint of The British Architect" (AAS). The frontispiece is from Isaac Ware’s 1756 The Complete Body of Architecture, and other content is drawn from the works of Batty Langley and other pattern book authors. Born in England, Norman describes himself in the subtitle of this work as a “lover of architecture,” but he never seems to have practiced as one, but worked primarily as an engraver and publisher. Only two other complete copies are recorded at auction in the last 50 years. Evans 20027; Hitchcock 856; see "The Colonial Scene—1602-1800,” in Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society (April 1950), p. 74.

Folio (312 x 185mm). Engraved allegorical frontispiece and 60 engraved plates (a few plates silked, some just shaved at outer edge or with repairs around the edges of the platemark). Contemporary sheep (rebacked, corners repaired). Provenance: Moses Fowler (contemporary inscription, marginalia relating to carpentry).