Della Architettura Militare. Primo Libro.

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4to. [6]f + 299 + [1 blank]p. Text in roman letter, first dedication, chapter index and chapter headings in italic letter. With 45 numbered illustrations including 5 folding, 1 double-page, and some full-page; decorative woodcut initials; woodcut ornaments serving as head- and tail pieces. Emblematic woodcut within elaborate architectural border serving as a printer's device on title. Contemporary limp vellum. First edition. This work is of special interest for containing an historical survey of the fortification of bastions and an attempt to identify the foremost teachers of military architecture of the 16th century, as well as their most distinguished patrons. The author mentions Belucci, Pietro and Hieronimo Carpi, Castrioto, Dürer, Lupicini, Maggi, Mora, Tartaglia and Teti, but ironically omits Speckle whom he is thought to have plagiarised. The Milanese fortification architect and prolific military author is credited as being the first to discuss the proportions and functions of all the component parts of a front. A very good, crisp copy with wide margins; 5 leaves in quire G lightly toned; insignificant worming in one place in edge of blank margin of first 5 leaves neatly repaired. Near contemporary manuscript entry of Paris Oratory Library on title; old ownership stamp blank top corner of title partly erased; a few early manuscript shelf numbers entered in manuscript inside top corner of front cover. Jordan 0561; Berlin Katalog (3520) lists 2nd edition of 1619; Cockle 811 (note to 2nd edition of 1619); Jähns 850-851. SEE ILLUSTRATION. Seller Inventory # 5293

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