Description
In-folio. Leaves 11 (incl. half-title, engraved title, engraved portrait, leaf with C17 mark and D at bottom), 26 plates hors texte, pages nn. from 15 to 166; with 37 engravings in text (of which 15 full-page), pages 6 (with index and errata); woodcut headpieces and initials (some light soiling, two small wormtracks at the inner margin, one starting at the middle leaves and the other at the final leaves). Contemporary vellum, gilt title on spine (rebacked, some wear, modern endpapers).
Comments:
First edition of this complete and exhaustive treatise of military art, comprising 33 chapters on the use of the pike, 20 on the musket, 28 on infantry tactics and 9 on the formation of orders in battle. A fresh copy with wide margins and a good impression one of the finest Italian 17th-century military books. The overall 90 elegantly engraved engravings are of considerable interest for military uniforms and outfits. The dedicatee was noted at the time for establishing a small but permanent Bavarian army.
