Designs for Parish Churches, in the Three Styles of English Church Architecture. With an analysis of each style; a review of the nomenclature of the periods of English Gothic Architecture, and some remarks introductory to church building, exemplified in a series of over one hundred illustrations.
New York: Dana and Company (Lithographs by Sarony & Co., N.Y.), 1857. First edition. Tall 8vo. 111 pp. 42 lithographed plates, vignettes, historiated initials. With the ownership signature "J. Selden Spencer" at the head of the title page; Spencer (1822-1914), a native New Yorker, studied at the General Theological Seminary, being appointed priest in 1851. He was named Assistant Minister of Christ Church in Tarrytown in 1853, and served there as rector for 45 years beginning in 1865 (Washington Irving was a warden of the parish and was buried by Spencer). A major renovation to the church was made in 1868: a new ceiling and sidewalls were installed, a south wing was added, the organ was moved to a new transept, gas lighting was installed, and the windows were refitted for stained gas. With the bookplate of George W. DeGraff on the front pastedown and an autograph note by him above the copyright statement on the verso of the title page concerning the book's addition to his library in 1944. Hitchcock 548. Some interior soiling and foxing, but a good, solid copy. Original gilt-stamped decorated brown cloth (rubbed, spine ends somewhat frayed, rear joint worn and with some repair). (#7773). Item #60556
Price: $600.00