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Switzer, Stephen (1682?–1745).
The Universal System of Water and Water-Works, Philosophical and Practical.
Publisher: Printed for Thomas Cox, at the lamb, under the Royal Exchange, London;
Date of Publication: 1734
Stock Code: 14545
Quarto, pp., [6], xxxi, [10], 413, [14] notes and index, plus frontispiece and 60 engraved plates, of which 47 are fold-out, as called for. Contemporary full calf, titled in gilt to black leather spine label. Ownership signature, in contemporary hand, of one Charles Leonards to title-page and drop-title of book IV. Annotated occasionally in ink by Leonards. Binding sympathetically recased. Joints and hinges wearing, foot of upper joint cracked but holding well. Boards rubbed and scuffed, particularly to extremities, top edge dusty. Area approx 4 x 4cm torn from plate 18, historic internal repairs to verso of plates 23, 25, and 60 affecting image, 49 cut close, occasional internal tears to folds. Some very light intermittent damp staining throughout (suggesting the book may actually have been used for it’s intended purpose of designing and building water-works) although generally internally a clean copy. A comprehensive work on English water-gardens. Switzer was trained as a gardener by George London and Henry Wise at Brompton Park, the leading nursery of the period. He aided in executing the gardens at Blenheim, Howard Castle, Circenster Park, and Grimsthorpe Castle. Switzer’s true influence was through his authoritative and influential studies of gardening and landscaping. This volume is an authoritative and ambitious project on the history, science, and practical applications of water systems. Includes discussion and illustrations of cascades, fountains, grottoes, and other dramatic water features designed for the fashionable elite. A sound copy in a contemporary binding. £3000.00