[FRENCH & INDIAN WAR] HERICOURT, "ELEMENS DE L’ART

[FRENCH & INDIAN WAR] Hericourt, Elemens de l’art Militaire...nouvelle edition. Paris: Gissey & David, 1756-58. 6 vols. complete, each 12mo (165 x 95 mm). Vol. 1: [2], XXV, [3], 455, [1]; Vol 2: [2], VIII, 403, [1]; Vol 3: [2], XII, 419, [1]; Vol. 4: [2], IV, 344; Vol. 5: [2], IV, 313, [1]; Vol. 6: 396 pp. (vols. 1-5 published in 1756, volume 6 in 1758). Contemporary 18th century, speckled calf binding, spines with raised bands, stamped and gilded trim and red and green morocco leather labels. An essential, yet extremely rare military reference, substantially expanded and revised from the original edition of 1739, this complete set is from the famed 18th century military library at Macclesfield formed by General George Lane Parker (1724-1791) of the British Army and each volume bears his original book plate on the inside of the front cover. Parker was a noted military reformer and he was one of the parties that oversaw the revision of the British Army’s infantry exercises and discipline that resulted in the 1764 Manual. He was also colonel-commandant of the 20th Regiment of Foot, which fought with great credit during the Saratoga Campaign—a crack corps in which he introduced many of the military reforms later adopted by the army in general. Hericourt’s Elemens is the most important compilation on organization, drill, arms, uniforms, rations, regimental practices, officer duties, administration, etc. of the French Royal Army during the French & Indian period, including full text and/or copious extracts from official circulars, memoranda, and regulations in effect issued prior to- and during the first two years of conflict with Great Britain. Of particular interest to students of military tactics and materials culture, the various volumes include the full French Army regulations governing the drill of the French infantry and other troops, as well as the official descriptions of the military uniforms and clothing, item by item, as well as muskets, swords, pistols, and accoutrements, for each regiments and by branch of service. Unparalleled for breadth and scope of coverage over any other contemporary publications relating to the French Army. CONDITION: all in excellent condition with tight bindings and clean, bright pages. JLK