Item #16494 English Pleasure Carriages [1837, with extra material]; Their Origin, History, Varieties, Materials, Construction, Defects, Improvements, and Capabilities [etc.]. William Bridges Adams.

English Pleasure Carriages [1837, with extra material]; Their Origin, History, Varieties, Materials, Construction, Defects, Improvements, and Capabilities [etc.]

London: Charles Knight, 1837. First edition. Hardcover (blue-green cloth, spine gilt stamped). xviii, 315p, ca. 25 line ills. Armorial bookplate of Augustus Terry Clarke. Related material laid in, including two small ink drawings of carriages. Bookseller ticket of S.W. Fores. Good (lacks front endpaper; occasional neat penciling). Item #16494

The first edition of this important book on the principles of carriage design and structure. Adams believes that the uplifting qualities of good design ("pleasing colours and pleasing forms tend to soften rugged natures") ought surely to be applied to carriages, which "are objects of beauty constantly exposed to public view, as much so as architectural erections--perhaps more so, being locomotive." But he also has an eye on the railway age, and in the last chapter he applies some of his ideas to steam locomotion. "Rated as one of the most important [books on carriages] by all leading authorities" (Rittenhouse, Carriage Hundred 1). From the legendary coaching library of Deirdre H. Pirie.

Price: $250.00

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