About the Book
Bicknell & Comstock of 194 Broadway, New York were the great publishers of American architectural pattern books, and this is their sampler, dated April 1st, 1880.
They are perfectly frank about what it is. The preface explains that they have “not so much intended to offer new and original studies, as to make a compilation from various published works” — an epitome of almost all recent architectural publication, with each design credited to the volume it came from, which they would happily sell you as well.
What makes it valuable now is the costs. A low-priced cottage at about $750; larger villas, homesteads, seaside and camp-ground cottages, churches and public buildings, each with its estimate — and the publishers noting that at present low building costs the work could often be done for less.