Books and Manuscripts

London: Printed for J. Nourse, 1777. First edition. 4to. vii, (i), 366, (2), xlvi pp. Dedication copy, inscribed by the author to Lord (George) Townshend, 1st Marquess Townshend, dated March 1777. According to the Duke of York catalogue (Sotheby, 1827), this is one of only five copies printed on special paper. Illustrated with one folding table and five engraved folding plates. Quarter brown morocco over marbled paper-covered boards, black morocco spine label, stamped in gilt; front board detached, bottom rear joint splitting, rear joint rubbed; all edges gilt; with the armorial book-plate of Thomas Forrest Betton (1809-75) on front paste-down, library label of William Courtney Overstreet on same; [different] Betton library book-plate on rear paste-down. Duke of York catalogue 962; Riling 283

This edition is based on Leonhard Euler's German work on artillery, Neue Grundsätze der Artillerie (1745), translated here into English, and greatly expanded, by Brown. Euler's work was likewise a translation and expansion of English mathematician and military engineer, Benjamin Robins' work, New Principles of Gunnery (1742).

Field Marshal George Townshend, 1st Marquess Townshend (1724-1807) was an English military leader and politician. He was a member of Parliament from Norfolk (1747-64), fought in the battles of Dettingen, Fontenoy, Culloden and Laffeldt, and commanded British forces during the closing stages of the Battle of Quebec (1759) during the Seven Year's War (1756-63) after the death of his commander James Wolfe. He later served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1767-72), Master-General of the Ordnance in the North Ministry (1772-82). He was created Marquess in 1786, and was promoted to Field Marshal in July 1796.

According to the Catalogue of the Extensive and Valuable Library of His Royal Highness the Duke of York (Sotheby, 1827), this large-paper copy is one of only five produced, and is thus "extremely rare." This is the only copy of the special edition of five that we can locate ever going to auction.

From the library of bibliographer, bookseller, and arms collector, Raymond L.J. Riling (1896-1974), and with his illustrated book-plate on front paste-down.