Derand, Franois.

L'Architecture des Voutes ou L'Art des Traits et Coupe des Voutes. Traicte tres-Util, Voir Necessaire ˆ tous Architectes, Maitres Massons, Apareilleurs, Tailleurs de Pierre, et generalement ˆ tous ceux qui se meslent de l'architecture, mesme militaire.

      - Paris: Sebastien Cramoisy, 1643. Folio, (8), (11), (8), 453 pp. and 126 engraved plates within the collation. Occasional light browning and spotting, tear repaired on f. 3A1 slightly affecting figures, minor marginal losses to three leaves. Engraved printer's device on title; decorative woodcut head- and tail-pieces and initials; title printed in red and black. Contemporary calf rebacked, corners renewed, some scrapes and scratches. First edition of an extensive and richly illustrated architectural manual, summarising the best contemporary ideasÑnotably those of Delorme and Jousse. A seminal work on the geometry of arches and vaults, useful even today for the methods of drawing illustrated in the plates. The best of all, for those interested in combining practice and theory, is Fr. Francois Derand, Jesuit, who wrote a large volume with all the explanations required in text and illustration. Also, the most sought after by workers and the one they give to their apprentices as the most sure guide to gain knowledge on the subject. (D'Aviler, Cours d'Architecture). Berlin Kat. 2539. DeBacker-Sommervogel II, 1938. Fowler 101. Guilmard p. 54. Provenance: Bute Library at Luton Hoo (Luton Liibrary and Bute armorial bookplates). [Attributes: First Edition]