Royal 8vo. (282 x 195 mm). Bound in contemporary full speckled calf, gilt spine, red morocco and gilt label, a little worn at the head an foot of the spine; 19, [1]pp., 50 engraved plates printed on thick paper; a very good copy; early engraved bookplate of John Ward to the front pastedown.

First edition of a scarce book of designs for garden temples and small villas by a little-known architect from Devizes in Wiltshire. However, the list of subscribers includes wealthy patrons such as Henry Hoare of Stourhead and Paul Methuen of Corsham. In addition, the architects George Dance, George Hiron of Warwick and Thomas Robinson are listed.

The title was reissued in the same year with the title The Temple Builder’s Most Useful Companion, in a smaller format, on ordinary paper, and at a reduced price.

COPAC lists seven libraries reporting copies of the first issue: British Library; Cambridge University Library; Cardiff University Library; Leicester University, the David Wilson Library; Manchester University Library; National Library of Scotland; V&A.

BAL Early Printed Books 2348; Harris/Savage 609

Stock number: 1215