1672 – Practical Architecture – Franz Liser | First Edition, Illustrated Folio, 100+ Engravings

Franz Liser was a 17^th-century German architect and author who is primarily remembered for his book Architectura Practica. This book, while not as famous as those from Palladio or Vignola, proved to be one of the best works of German architecture. It examines practical geometry, architectural proportion and perspective, and classical orders including Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. Each section is filled with double-page engravings, totaling nearly 150 views of domes, columns, arches, staircases, and interior walls.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Architectura Practica Nova Libri III
• Author(s): Franz Liser
• Publisher: Franckfurt, Bey Johann Caspar Bencard
• Edition: First edition, 1672
• Binding: Full vellum
• Format: Folio, single volume
• Size:  12.5 in x 8.5 in (31.75 cm x 21.6 cm)
• Collation: 8 parts, each separately paged
• Illustrations: ~143 double-page engravings
• Contents Include:
  • Practical geometry and perspective
  • Proportional systems in architecture
  • Treatments of the classical orders
  • views of domes, columns, arches, staircases, and interior walls

Condition:

Very Good. Original full vellum binding remains structurally sound, though there is loss along the spine and visible wear at the corners. The interior shows clean pages and intact engravings, with no evidence of major faults.

Why Collect This?

• German architectural treatise from the Baroque period
• Folio format with vellum binding
• Illustrated with over 100 double-page engravings

Item Number: #29988