Retreats: A Series of Designs, Consisting of Plans and Elevations by Thomson, James

BiblioLife, 2008-10-15. Paperback. Good.

Hardback. New.

hardcover. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.

London: J. Taylor, Architectural Library, 1827. 4to. (11 11/16 x 9 1/4 inches). [5], vi-viii. 1-32 pp., 41 aquatint plates (31 hand-colored), 16 pp. publisher's advertisements at end, 1 loose paper back cover "Notice de Quelques Ouvrages" Publisher's paper boards, re-backed retaining original paper spine label, edges uncut First edition of this scarce, illustrated model book of Regency designs in Grecian, Gothic, and Rustic styles. "A delightful and amusing book in fine grain aquatint skillfully coloured (Abbey)." This first edition copy captures the whimsy of "retreats" or supplemental buildings on a property, popular on estates in the Regency England. These curious structures, which could be fashioned as cottages, villas, and ornamental buildings ranging from conservatories to fishing lounges, are a fascinating aspect of Regency architecture, which extended beyond the true Regency (1811-1820) from the turn of the century to the end of George IV's reign in 1830. This architectural period,… Read More