John Loudon McAdam — Remarks on the Present System of Road Making

London, Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, And Brown, 1822 . Hardback. The fifth edition of John Loudon McAdam's influential guide to road construction, in which he presents his method of laying crushed stone or gravel in layers, which are then compacted by traffic. The fifth edition of this work, which went through several editions due to its significant impact on British infrastructure.McAdam criticised the poor condition of roads in Britain, attributing it to mismanagement and the use of unsuitable materials. Drawing on his experience as a surveyor and road trustee, he argued for a different construction of road surfaces.With eight pages of advertisements to the start of the work, dated November 1821.Former owner's inscription to front board and front pastedown, with stamp of the Lawes Agricultural Trust to front and rear pastedown.McAdam"s method, which came to be known as "macadamisation" or "tarmac" and revolutionised road construction and was eventually adopted across Britain and beyond. In the original paper covered boards. Front board detached but present. Inscription to front board head. Back strip age toned, as are board perimeters, with significant handling marks to boards. Loss to back strip head. Stamps to front and rear pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright, with light spotting to title page. Good Only . Ill.: Not Stated. Good Only .