Diderot, Denis (ed.). Fourreur. Paris: ca. 1770. The "Encyclopedie, ou dictionnaire raisonne des sciences, des arts et des m‚tiers" ("Encyclopedia, or a systematic dictionary of the sciences, arts, and crafts") was one of the greatest achievements of scholarship and literature in the late 18th century world. Published in France under the editorship of Denis Diderot between 1751 and 1772, with additions until 1780, Diderot once explained that "All things must be examined, debated, investigated without exception and without regard for anyone's feelings." Of course this was not a universally popular sentiment in late 18th century France, and the book was officially banned by the King in 1759. Officially banned or not, work continued quite openly, and in the end the 'Encyclopedie' presented a marvelous overview of human knowledge at the time. Among the most valuable articles were those discussing, explaining and illustrating the crafts and trades, complete with views of workshop interiors, tools and manufacturing methods. Many scholars also give the 'Encyclopedie' credit for helping to introduce and popularize philosophies of egalitarianism which would help lead to the French Revolution, but that's a topic for anther day. This section (or chapter) from the 'Encyclopedie illustrates the craft of the furrier, showing how the animal hides and fur may be cut, the drying process, the tools used, and the interior of a furrier's showroom. Hardcover. 10"x16", 1 page of text plus 6 engraved plates bound into new red cloth.

Inventory #: 32451 Price: $ 150.00

Diderot. Miroitier Metteur au Teint (&) Miroitier. Paris: ca 1770. An exceptionally interesting section, illustrating the art of mirror makers. The plates include several workshop interiors, one illustrating the metallic backing being poured on and buffed, the other showing the plates being sized, polished and stacked. There are also several plates illustrating the various tools of the mirror-makers craft. 10"x16", 2 pages of text plus 8 engraved plates, disbound.

Inventory #: 16796 Price: $ 175.00

Nagyszalanczy, Sandor. Tools. Rare and Ingenious. Celebrating the World's Most Amazing Tools. Newtown The Taunton Press: 2004. Over the centuries craftsmen have transformed inherently humble objects- drills, saws, planes and levels, into works of art. This beautiful book offers a breathtaking tour of antique tools that rarely leave the jealous hands of their owners. In more than 375 color photographs we see tools ranging from calipers in the shape of ballerinas to a drill shaped like a violin. The old, hand-polished woods gleam, the antique brass shines, and the dedication and imagination of hundreds of anonymous craftsmen from other times is evident on every page. Hardcover. 9.5"x10", 210 pages, packed with color illustrations, dj. New. Published for $37.00.

Inventory #: 95073 Price: $ 30.00

Smith, Joseph. Explanation or Key to the Various Manufactories of Sheffield with Engravings of each Article. South Burlington The Early American Industries Association: 1975. A facsimile of the rare 1816 publication, edited and with an introduction by John Kebabian. This important catalog includes tool makers, scissor, knife and razor manufacturers, files, planes, shovels and other interesting articles. It is one of the few extant records of early 19th century Sheffield manufacturers and their wares. Hardcover. 8.5"x11", 21 + 140 pages, b/w plates, dj. Jacket soiled and with several chips.

Inventory #: 8596 Price: $ 125.00