[Rarebooks] FS: One of the earliest printed books on military fortifications (w/21 woodcuts). Venice: 1543

[karmbooks at aol.com]

(MILITARY) Valle, Battista della (or, Della Valle, Battista) VALLO,
LIBRO CONTINENTE APPERTIN-ENTE A CAPITANII, RETENERE & FORTIFICARE UNA
CITTA CON BASTIONI, CON NOVI ARTIFICII DE FUOCO AGGIONTTI... Opera
Molto Utile con la Esperienta de L’Arte Militare. (Venice: Gli Heredi
di Piero Ravano & Compagni 1543). 8vo. ff.(8),71,(1). Complete with the
final leaf, blank except for the large woodcut device on the verso.
Title within a woodcut border illus. with military scenes. Text with 21
woodcuts (many full-page) illustrating fortifications, weapons &
machines, battle formations, etc. Modern brown morocco over marbled
boards. Some occasional text soiling, but a very good copy. $2,500.00
(trade discount allowed)
Cockle #765, lists this work as the earliest printed book under the
heading of “fortification.” He cites the earliest edition he had seen
as 1524, although a Naples, 1521 printing is supposed to exist? No
copies of this 1521 edition are recorded in any of the standard
references. Between 1521 and 1558 at least 13 editions were printed of
this practical handbook. Today they are all scarce. BL Italian STC p.
710. Not in Adams.

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