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188 - LIPSIUS (Justus). Poliorceticon, or On War Machines, Torment…
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Estimate €600 - €800
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Description
LIPSIUS (Justus). Poliorceticon, or On War Machines, Torments and Weapons. Five Books. With historical commentary. A rare first edition of this military treatise devoted to war machines, sieges and the principles of fortification. Antverpiæ [Antwerp], from the Plantinian press at the widow and John Moretus, 1596. In-4 (250 × 180 mm), 19th-century green half-calf, plain spine decorated with small gilt ironwork featuring war motifs and ribbons. 8 unnumbered folios, 167 pp., 3 unnumbered folios. Binding heavily rubbed. Title slightly faded, paper somewhat browned. Paper restoration in the margin on page 20, with no missing text. A very rare first edition of this important treatise on poliorcetics, that is to say the art of siege, by the Flemish humanist Justus Lipsius (1547–1606). The fine illustrations, attributed to the painter and engraver Pieter van der Borcht, comprise 21 full-page intaglio engravings (some divided into two) and 10 figures within the text. The work takes the form of scholarly dialogues held in Liège between Lipsius and his circle of friends (Jean Furius, Jacques Carondelet, Pierre d’Heur and Dominique Lampson). It includes a digression on the etymology of the name ‘Liège’, and the mention of the recent capture of Deventer serves as the starting point for a technical study of the siege of strongholds and war machines, divided into five books. A fine impression from Plantin’s presses in Antwerp, bearing his famous copper-engraved mark on the title page. The work is dedicated to the Prince-Bishop of Liège, who rewarded the author for this work. Its success was immediate and led to a third edition as early as 1605. (Funck, 354). A fine copy.
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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