Folio (439 x 278 mm). Title printed in red and black, engraved dedication, 4pp. list of subscribers, 161 copper-engraved plates (including plate 25 [bis]). (Lacking half-title, some toning and light spotting, a few short marginal short tears.) Contemporary mottled calf gilt, tan morocco lettering-piece gilt, stamp-signed by Riviere (front cover detaching, old repairs to hinges reinforced, some light wear). Provenance: J. Hafford (18th-century signature on titlepage); Granville George Leveson-Gowe, second Earl Granville (1815-1891), Leader of the House of Lords (armorial bookplate, note of his sale 10/3/92); Thomas George Baring, 1st Earl of Northbrook (1826-1904), Viceroy of India (armorial bookplate). 

Second edition of Chippendale's breakthrough furniture design book. The Director was the most extensive pattern book to be created by a craftsperson and the first to have a wider audience outside tradesmen. The immense popularity of the 1754 first edition and subsequent reissues increased commissions for Chippendale's firm and cemented his position as one of the most premier 18th-century cabinetmakers. ESTC T14876.