[Rarebooks] F/S: rare item on cavalry

[naturama]

MELZO, Francesco Lodovico

Regole Militari sopra il governo e servitio particolare della cavalleria.
Anversa Apud Ioachimum Trognaesium 1611

Small folio. [12] + 221 + [3]p. Italic & roman letter. Engraved 
title, 16 engravings
  on 15 plates (10 double-page, 5 folding), six exquisite engraved 
vignette head-pieces
  and historiated initials, numerous large ornamental initials.
  XIX sec. half cloth.
First edition of one of the earliest treatises on modern cavalry 
tactics. The Italian author,
a general in the Spanish service, and a Maltese Knight, gives rules 
and regulations fo
r the proper organisation of cavalry formation. The innovative 
feature of his work is the
treatment of light cavalry for small operations of war. Melzo's 
detailed instructions as
to ranks, setting up of guards, quarters, marching and combat orders 
are explained with
references to his own military experiences in the Flemish campaigns 
of which he cites
  historical examples.
The finely executed engravings depict different types of cavalry: 
dragoons, lancers,
  and cuirassiers, foraging, preparing to ambush, attacking, parading 
etc, within realistic
settings of villages, fortified castles, churches, and windmills. The 
engraved title shows
a dragoon and a cuirassier charging one another, while a galloping 
lancer is overlooking o
n a pedestal flanked by Athena and Hercules.
The book was reprinted at Venice in 1626 and 1641, and translated into Spanish,
French, German and English: for the various editions see Cockle 122 & 
note to 723.
  The dedication is to the Archduke Albert of Austria, governor of the 
Southern Netherlands,
  and the privilege is dated: Brussels, 17 August 1611. Although a 
small worm hole from
page 117 to pag 143 in the low blank margin still a fine copy.
Cockle 723; Jähns 1049-1052; Lipperheide 2066 ('One of the most important works
on cavalry of the 17th century'); Mennessier de la Lance II, 181-2.

euro 3,000.00

Images available on request