Der Verschantzte Turenne Oder Gründliche Alt= und Neue Kriegs=Bau=Kunst.
Gera, G.H. Müller for C. Weidmann in Frankfurt a.M. and Leipzig 1677.
Oblong 16mo (97 x 160 mm.). Frontis., [xiv], 608p. and THIRTY-TWO ENGRAVED PLATES with two hundred eight figures, engraved title with weapons and a besieged city (signed CW).
Contemporary vellum over paper boards (slightly warped, soiled, short slit in the front cover), flat spine, old green edges.
First Edition. To begin, Behr lays out the mathematics, geometry and surveying necessary for the military architect and presents HIS INSTRUMENT FOR CELESTIAL AND TERRESTRIAL MENSURATION. In the other two parts, he describes and illustrates regular and irregular fortifications in all types of terrain and summarizes the current state of the art. He addresses everything from parapets, outerworks and the width of rampart footpaths to the reinforcement of extant gates, bridges and urban environments. The author rose to Prussian Royal Architect and Chief Engineer. In good condition (slightly browned, one or two ink spots), lacks the last leaf with instructions to the binder (as all copies I have identified), bookplate of economist Walther Voth.
¶Jordan, Bibliographie zur Geschichte des Festungsbaues 0203; Jähns, Geschichte der Kriegswissenschaften II: 1373-4; VD17 3:604582G.
Price: $4,350.00