André-Jacob Roubo - L'art du menuisier - 1977

André-Jacob Roubo (1739-1791). The Art of the Joiner. Paris, Léonce Laget, 1977, 1312 pp. and 382 plates

3 folio volumes (430x290 mm), full cloth. Wear and rubbing on the cloth, small paper loss in the lower corner of the first three pages, tiny gallery of worms in the lower corner of plates 227-253 without affecting the text, no dust jackets. Interior very fresh, no foxing.

Reprint in facsimile of the 1769-1775 edition: 4 volumes consolidated into three volumes (complete)

Limited edition of 500 copies

A monumental work that details, in a thorough manner, the techniques, tools, and know-how of traditional woodworking in the 18th century. The author presents with precision the methods of working wood, from the selection of materials to the execution of complex works, including the principles of applied geometry and the rules of construction.

This treatise is distinguished by its encyclopedic and pedagogical approach, aimed at transmitting rigorous knowledge to both artisans and discerning amateurs. Roubo emphasizes the importance of precision, mastery of movements, and understanding the properties of wood. It also documents different types of woodworking, such as building joinery, furniture making, and decorative works.