The Martial-Field of Europe:
Being A Geographical and Historical Description of those Parts of EUROPE, which are most Famous in this Present War, Viz. I. Flanders, II. The Rhine, III. Savoy, IV. Catalonia, V. Hungary, VI. Greece. With an Account of the several Revolutions of those Places, either by Conquest or Treaties of Peace, particularly from the Treaty of Munster in 1648. to this present time
London: Tho. Salusbury, 1694 Stock Code: 141293
"I relate the Sieges of Towns, the Skirmishes and Battels of this late War, in a word I endeavour not to omit any thing that is Remarkable in the Martial-Field"
First edition. One of the first works published by this versatile French-born lexicographer, journalist and historian, being a survey of places and occurrences during the recent Nine Years' War, also known as the War of the Grand Alliance, and dedicated to the 2nd duke of Ormond who had served with distinction. Boyer (1667?1729) may himself have taken part having fled France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Rare, only four copies on Library Hub, BL, NLW, Edinburgh and Oxford, WorldCat adds just the National Library of Sweden.A detailed account of a region that the author describes as "the Bloody Scene of a Thousand Tragedies during the Summer; the Business of Politicians during the Winter; and the Subject Matter of Discourse of every Body all the Year round". He covers "Flanders,the Course of the Rhine, the Dominions of the Duke of Savoy, Catalonia, Hungary and Greece"; encompassing their history, commerce, religion, topography, and administration, paying particular attention to"the Description... of the Fortifications of the most considerable Cities, Towns, Villages and Castles according to the best Printed Relations, or the Accounts I have had from many Credible Gentlemen, and sometimes also according to what I have seen myself. Besides that, I relate the Sieges of Towns, the Skirmishes and Battels of this late War, in a word I endeavour not to omit any things that is Remarkable in the Martial-Field". An attractive copy, if a little worn, with a sense of having been carried for use. Unfortunately lacking the front free endpaper, but with some relevant notes at the rear, place names, distances, and the slightly later ownership inscription of one John Dike to the title page.
Description
Octavo (172 x 110 mm). Contemporary sprinkled calf, raised bands, lion's jambe erased on a torse in laurel wreath gilt to the spine, the second covered with an old paper title label lettered "Mart Field".
Condition
Slightly rubbed and stained, chipped at the head of the spine, corners bumped, a few eroded patches on the edges, leather lifting a little on the board, slacks front free endpaper, hinges cracked to the cords, but sound, light browning throughout, some marginal damp-staining towards the rear, remains a very good copy.
Bibliography
Wing B3916
DELIVERY
With the exception of framed items*, Peter Harrington offers free delivery on all UK orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website. Delivery to USA and the rest of the world is similarly free for orders over £200.
ABOUT US
Established in 1969, Peter Harrington is one of the leading rare book firms in the world. It is a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association – along with ILAB, the PBFA and Lapada – and from shops in Mayfair and Chelsea, London, sells rare books, prints and ephemera to customers across the world.
Email: mail@peterharrington.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 0220
