The Cabinet-maker and Upholsterer's Guide: or, Repository of Designs for Every Article of Household Furniture, in the Newest and Most Approved Taste by Hepplewhite, A - 1788

London: I. and J. Taylor, 1788. First edition. Hardcover. First edition. Folio (15" x 10"). George Hepplewhite died in 1786 as the plates were being engraved and the book was published by his widow, Alice. The book was very popular, running to three editions within the decade after Hepplewhite's death. This is perhaps the rarest of the three principle 18th century pattern books, Chippendale's and Sheraton's being more well known. This copy was found in poor condition and repaired and restored in 1968 by St. Michael's Abbey, Hants, England. Beautifully rebound in full brown calf with raised bands. The first 24 pages and the last three pages of this copy did not survive and were replaced with facsimiles from another copy of this work. There is some water staining to the first few extant pages and most pages have some foxing. The pages have not been trimmed. What appears to be the original owner's signature (John M. Creight) has survived and is included. Detailed digital images are available upon request.