The Country Builder’s Assistant

Originally published in 1797, this was the bible of the building trade in New England during the beginning of the nineteenth century. The book was the first American-grown collection of designs published in America, and through its publication, Asher Benjamin popularized an American style of architecture. Illustrated with new and useful designs of Frontispieces, Chimney Pieces, Tuscan, Doric, Ionie and Corinthian Orders with their Bases, Capitals and Entablatures: Architraves for Doors, Window and Chimneys: Cornices, Base and Surface Mouldings for Rooms: Doors and Sashes with their Mouldings: The Construction of Stairs with their Ramp and Twist Rails: Plan, Elevation and one section of a Meeting House with the Pulpit at Large: Plans and Elevations of Houses. The Best Method of finding the Length and backing of Hip Rafters: Also, the tracing of Groins, Angle Brackets, Circular Soffits in Circular Walls. Correctly engraved on thirty copper plates: with a printed explanation to each.