First edition of Jones' seminal work. The finest of the great chromolithographic books of the nineteenth century, and certainly one of the most influential.

The Grammar was celebrated first and foremost for its 100 outstanding folio-sized colour lithographs, which represented the latest and most sophisticated innovations in the field of printmaking. In addition to the illustrative element, Jones included in the text his rationale for ornamental art, and 37 propositions concerning the arrangement of colour in architecture and decorative arts. This monumental publication was undertaken following the success of the architectural and ornamental museum in the Crystal Palace in Sydenham and served as an inspiration to William Morris, the Arts and Crafts movement, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

First edition; folio (56 x 37 cm); letterpress title printed in red and black, additional chromolithograph title, 100 chromolithograph plates, wood-engraved illustrations in-text, plate 96 misnumbered as 98 and miscaptioned as 'Leaves from Nature. No. 8', light soiling to edges, occasional faint spotting to plate versos; contemporary half green morocco over marbled boards, spine in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, gilt lettering to second and fourth compartments, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, boards and extremities rubbed.