Halfpenny | The art of sound building, London, 1725, contemporary calf

Property of Ampleforth Abbey Trust

Halfpenny, William

The art of sound building, demonstrated in geometrical problems, shewing geometrical lines for all kinds of arches, niches, groins, and twisted rails, both regular and irregular. London: Sam. Aris for the author, 1725

folio (304 x 183mm.), engraved frontispiece, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, 2 engraved leaves of subscribers' names, 20 folding engraved plates, contemporary calf, gilt border, binding somewhat worn

First issue; a second expanded one was produced later in 1725. Halfpenny was a prolific writer on architectural methods though less productive as a practising architect. In 1725 he was resident in Richmond, Surrey, which explains the number of subscribers to this work based in the south west of London.

LITERATURE:

BAL RIBA 1435; Harris 281

PROVENANCE:

Henry Johnston, inscription at head of title-page dated 29 July 1780