Background:

These prints are from the "Practice of Architecture" by the New England-born architect Asher Benjamin.  As stated in the introduction, this work contained "the five orders of architecture and an additional column and entablature, with all their elements and details explained and illustrated for the use of carpenters and practical men".

In addition to portraying the elements of classical architecture, Benjamin also provides guidelines for architecture found in more "contemporary" buildings such as homes and churches.