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an old book sitting on top of a table next to a white backgroundan old book with a black and red design on the coverdrawing of a plan of different types of buildings in a cityan old map of the city of boston, with a map of the city in the centerdrawing of a diagram of a wheel and a wheel of fortune on a pagean old drawing of a plan of a building with a clock on the top of it
ALDE

204 - VAUBAN (Sébastien Le Prestre de).
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Estimate €800 - €1,000
Sale commission
Description
VAUBAN (Sébastien Le Prestre de). On the Attack and Defence of Fortifications. The Hague, Pierre de Hondt, 1737–1742. 2 volumes in one in-4 volume, marbled calfskin, triple gilt rule, spine decorated with grotesque motifs, marbled edges (contemporary binding). Posthumous first edition, dedicated to the Crown Prince of Prussia. This treatise was composed at the outset of the War of the Spanish Succession on the orders of Louis XIV for the private instruction of the Duke of Burgundy; it was not intended for publication. It was not until thirty years after the Marshal’s death that Pierre de Hondt proposed this edition, based on one of the many manuscripts in circulation. The second part, entitled *On the Defence of Fortified Places*, is attributed to Vauban, although it actually reproduces the bulk of Deshoulières’ *Discourse on the Defence of Fortified Places*. The work is illustrated with 36 fold-out plates depicting fortifications, tunnelling and mining techniques, etc. A complete copy of the second volume published in 1742, containing the *Traité des mines* and the *Traité de la guerre en général*, which are not by Vauban. A very fine copy with a spine decorated in the grotesque style. From the library of the Earl of Butler, of La Rochelle, with a coat-of-arms ex-libris (a lithographic reproduction by Van Geleyn of the ex-libris engraved by Ollivault in 1788). Slight wear to the covers, a small tear on the back cover.
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About the sale Fine antique books – A library in the Languedoc
Auction location
Auction time 10/20/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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