Jefferson's Fine Arts Library : His Selections for the University of Virginia, Together with His Own Architectural Books

University Press of Virginia, Charlottesville, first edition, 1976. Cloth, gilt cover title, 8vo, 26 cm,. xviii, 409 pp, ills. From the preface: "It has been my purpose to give the reader not only accurate information about the books but also some knowledge of their structure and flavor so that it might be possible for him to form an idea of the archi tectural thought which surrounded Jefferson, who based his own architectural inspiration on them and who derived many of his architectural forms from them. Although architectural books and the architecture of the University of Virginia have been emphasized here, an emphasis peculiarly appropriate because of Jefferson's desire that the two should interact, the fine arts volumes also give us a glimpse of his background in painting and sculpture and, sometimes, a direct connection with his own collections. It has seemed best to let the books speak for themselves. After a transcription of the title page, a physical description of each book, and background information about its authors, engravers, and subscribers, pertinent quotations from the books are inserted, for it was found that many of the authors gave very clear statements of their intentions and sometimes equally clear summaries of their theses. The quotations, in order not to weaken their impact, have been kept in their original languages. Finally, the relationship between Jefferson, architecture, and the particular book is pointed out, a relationship which is inevitably closer in some cases than others. Covers partly sunned and a little duststained, corners a trifle bumped, otherwise Near Very Good.