Description:

(1769 - 1821) The 'Little Corporal' whose brilliance in the field of battle and as Emperor of France has made him perhaps the most important figure of post-Renaissance Europe. Manuscript D.S.
'approuve, Np', 3pp. 7.75 x 12.25 in., May 29, 1810, concerning the publication of an edition of Francesco de Marchi's 'Architettura Militare' ('Military Architecture'). In part: '...Duke of Lodi, during his term as Vice-President, had made dispositions for the reprinting in Rome of the famous François de Marchi treatise on Military Architecture, that work became very rare. The praiseworthy motive that brought Duke de Lodi to encourage and support this useful undertaking was the desire to render a work interesting and full of ideas for the meditations of the engineer officers, and to lay claim in favor of Italy the priority...in fortifications theory. The editor, Mr. Louis Marini, from Rome, imbued by the idea that the only thing missing to the most ancient and to the greatest work on Military Architecture is to be published under the auspices of the most famous of all Captains and the most powerful of all Monarchs [Napoleon], was encouraged by Duke de Lodi to request to Your Majesty permission to dedicate it to him. Duke de Lodi, who wrote me about it, hope that the interest that Your Majesty grants to what honors his Kingdom of Italy, his special kindness to the City of Bologna, to which Captain de Marchi belonged to, and the grandeur of character that this work brings makes it worthy of your reign, will engage Your Majesty to allow this favor to the Editor. Mr. L. Marini, is moreover a man with great merit and well versed in the art...written by the author with such distinction.' In very fine condition. Accompanied by a large book photo of Napoleon. Francesco Melzi d'Eril, Duke of Lodi (1753-1816) was an Italian politician and patriot, serving as vice-president of the Napoleonic Italian Republic (1802–1805). Napoleon approves the publication of the work at top. De Marchi's work, first published in 1599, is considered 'the most comprehensive survey of the state of military architecture in the second half of the sixteenth century'. He was an experienced artilleryman and engineer, and Vauban utilized many of his designs and ideas.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

May 23, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000