Le premier tome de l'architecture de Philibert de L'Orme [...].

Folio: [9 (of 10)]-283-[1] ff. (e6 blank missing, ff. x1, x3, X1, Bb1 and Bbb2 on double ff.; marg. damp stains, one larger at end, occ. sl. foxing, some quires sl. toned, wormhole(s) to lower corners at end).

Contemp. calf, gilt-ruled covers with central gilt medallion, gilt-ruled spine with raised bands (rebacked, rubbed, most corners restored, flyleaves renewed).

First edition, second issue (1st issue 1567, with same collation) of a work intended by the Delorme (1540-1570), architect of King Henri II, as "the beginning of an encyclopedia of architecture" (Fowler), but only the 1st part was published. The purpose was to provide a system of architectural design and construction for French buildings and had to be understood by architectural patrons and architect. Illustrated with 205 woodcut ill. (70 full-page, 5 double-page and 2 fold.) showing diagrams, architectural parts and constructions, i.a. the castle of Anet built by Delorme for Diane de Poitiers and Delorme's house in Paris, and the two famous representations of a bad architect (without eyes and hands figured) and a good architect (with three eyes and four hands). Title within an architectural border.
Ref. Millard 105. - Adams L-1513. - Mortimer, French, 356. - Cicognara 584. - Kat. Berlin 2362. - STC French 287. - Pettegree (FB) 15436. - Dumoulin 148. - Cp. Fowler 99 (1567 ed.).