£1,500 - £2,000
Antoine de Ville
Les fortifications.
Lyon: Philippe Borde, 1640 (1641)
Second edition of the renowned treatise dedicated to fortifications, published for the first time in 1628. The work is divided into two books, the first dedicated to the defence, the second to the attack: in the first part, in particular, the the author focuses on modern fortification and the many engravings illustrate the regular and irregular geometries of the bastions and walls. The second book focuses on the "attaque par surprise" and the "attaque par force". The copy is complete with the portrait of the author on e2v after Artemisia Gentileschi.
Engraved frontispiece, woodcut device on title, engraved portrait of the author, woodcut headpieces and initials, 53 engraved plates. [10], 442, [10].
Condition: ink annotation to foot of title, general browning and toning. Leaf of index creased.
Folio, contemporary smooth calf., re-backed. 355mm x 240mm.
Provenance: John Evelyn, his inscription stating it was bought in Paris in 1641; Sir
Frederick Evelyn, bookplate
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Free Registration
34.8% inc VAT*
Flat Fee Registration
31.20% inc VAT*
