Les devoirs militaires – de La Fontaine – 1675 | First Edition, Illustrated

Les devoirs militaires des officiers de l’infanterie by an author known as ‘de la Fontaine’ is a 1675 survey of the French military. This rare first edition military manual was issued during the reign of Louis XIV and outlines officer responsibilities and soldier instructions. Subjects include arms handling (maniement des armes), battalion and squadron evolutions, ordered battle, and siege and fortification practice. The King’s musketeers are also discussed, reflecting their elite status in the French army.

The illustrations throughout make this work highly desirable. It includes several, in-text figures of soldier formation as well as numerous folding engravings.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Les devoirs militaires des officiers de l’infanterie, contenant l’exercice des gens de guerre
• Author(s): de La Fontaine
• Publisher: A Paris, chez Estienne Loyson
• Edition: First edition, 1675.
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Binding: Full leather
• Size:  6.25 in x 3.75 in (15.9 cm x 9.5 cm)
• Collation: 384 pp
• Illustrations: Engraved frontispiece; illustrated throughout with in-text engravings; 6 folding engravings
• Contents Include:
  • Infantry drill and arms handling (maniement des armes)
  • Formations for battalions and squadrons
  • Ordered battle organization
  • Attack and defense of fortified places
  • Training of the King’s musketeers

Condition:

Good. Bound in full leather with a tight and secure text block. Rubbing and wear to corners and edges, with some loss along the spine. The engraved frontispiece and folding plates are present, and the text is complete.

Why Collect This?

• First edition of a 17th-century French infantry manual
• Illustrated with in-text engravings and folding plates
• Includes content on the King’s musketeers

Item Number: #29377