Books and Manuscripts

Burton, Richard F.
A New System of Sword Exercise for Infantry
London: Printed and Published by William Clowes and Sons, 1876. First edition (one of only 500 copies printed). 8vo. 59 pp. Illustrated with an engraved half-title, one engraved diagrammatic plate, and 18 in-text engravings. Publisher's red cloth, stamped in blind and in gilt, slightly cocked, spine ends and corners lightly worn, scattered soiling to front and rear boards; all edges trimmed; front hinge slightly worn; scattered foxing to prelims and text; rear hinge lightly worn, stain in bottom of same, likely from removed bookseller's ticket. Penzer, p. 93

A handsome copy of Sir Richard F. Burton's rare treatise on swordsmanship, a work that “aspires to be the first Treatise in which the broadsword is scientifically taken in hand.” (Introductory Remarks, p. 20)

Only the fourth copy offered at auction in the past 17 years, “very rare” (Penzer).