[Fortifications] Lechamps de la Meneraux (François de), Manière de fortifier selon la méthode de Monsieur de Vauban

Ca. 1730. (4),288 p., 71 illustrations in watercolour and ink, a few additional in-text ill., num. headpieces, title-p. and divisional title-p. in ornamental borders, text in red and black within double rule, modern calf, gilt panelled boards and richly gilt spine, all edges gilt, in complementary slipcase, 4to. Sm. portion [Roy] cut from title-p. A few lvs. vaguely dampstained, occas. marginal (expert) restoration, otherwise very fine. Highly accomplished manuscript treatise on fortification, presenting the concepts in a very clear and concise manner. Opens with a historical section on fortification and an explanation of terminology, followed by a section titled "Construction des Forts de Campage appellés 'Redoutes'" (p. 29). The most extensive section "La maniere de construire les Forts Royaux, ce qui s'appelle Fortification Regulier (...)" begins on p. 75, and is complemented by a detailed part on the constructions of canons. The work ends 'in medias res', but appears to be complete.

We traced only one other manuscript by Lechamps de la Meneraux titled "Livre de blason allemand", held at Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal (ms. 5040), where he is identified a "géographe et ingénieur du [Roy]". The skilfully executed illustrations mainly depict fortifications in the style of Vauban, situated in idealised landscapes.