A key to civil architecture, or, The universal British builder
Subtitle: containing the principles and properties of building clearly demonstrated, with illustrations and definitions, both theoretical and practical, and a dissertation on the sciences appertaining thereto, as well as the kindred requisites of strength, convenience, propriety, and beauty : also, a strict enquiry into the present manner of building and mode of finishing, and how far the taste is consistent with symmetry and sound reason : with a new criterion, or universal estimator ... to which is added, a treatise of arithmetic ... Mensuration of superficies and solids, round and square timber, &c. with Explanations and reasons for the rules ...
By: by Thomas Skaife ...
Edition: The third edition, corrected, with addition of two useful plates on the construction of stair cases.
Publisher: Printed for R. Baldwin
Published: 1788
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 389
Subjects: Architecture; Early works to 1800
Other titles: Universal British builder
Work titles: Key to civil architecture
Notes: First edition: 1774 (No. 3046). Page 387 is misnumbered '389'.

Signature: 8:̲ {OCLCbrCB}² A⁴ B-Bb⁸ Cc². [200 leaves] $4 signed ( -A3,4, L4, Cc2); A2 signed 'a2'.

This third edition follows the text of the second edition of 1776 (Harris 830), and includes the same two plates. The second edition was published partly in order to include 'A Dissertation On The Late Building Act.', which had been passed in 1774, the year in which the first edition had appeared (No. 3046; see also Nos 1282-1285). The second and third editions both give the appearance of being much enlarged since the work was originally published . Nearly a hundred pages have been added, but this has largely been achieved by setting the type to a narrower measure. However, Skaife has revised his text, and has added some new matter, including descriptions of the plates and the final 'Lecture LXXXIII.' on the Building Act.

Avery Classics copy: Plates lacking.