The American Builder's Companion

by Asher Benjamin

American architect ASHER BENJAMIN (1773-1845) brought the influence of classical design to New England, and is hugely responsible for what we today consider the architectural charm of the region. He disseminated his ideas on elegance to ordinary builders via manuals such as this one, intended for local carpenters to use as a guide to imbue their own construction with a new elegance and urbanity. These guides were, as the evidence of New England's continuing allure itself demonstrates, wildly popular. This replica of the 1827 sixth edition of his classic work of architectural drawings and building plans, the first by an American architect, is complete with 70 beautiful plates illustrating everything from types of moldings, columns, and cornices to designs for friezes, door sashes, and other embellishments, as well as pleasing and useful floor plans for residences and public buildings. Part architectural primer, part do-it-yourself manual, this timeless work will delight students of architect, hobby carpenters, and anyone fascinated by fine design.

Genres: Architecture

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1969

About the author

Books, such as The American Builder's Companion (1806), of noted architect Asher Benjamin popularized Federal and Greek Revival designs throughout New England.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asher_B...

Reviews

[Joseph Schlag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erudite. Not a good place to start for most folks, but was chock full of information.

[Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

I work as a carpenter and got nothing out of it,was hoping to get some use but was quite disappointed.