BÉLIDOR, Bernard Forest de (1697--1761)
[La science des ingenieurs. 1729]
La science des ingenieurs dans la conduite des travaux de fortification et d'architecture civile. ... Par Mr Belidor, ...
Paris (Place), chez Claude Jombert,, 1729.
[16], 80, 64, 96, 104, 80, 80, [8] p., engr. frontis., 53 fold. pl. ; 28.0 cm. (4°)

First edition. The work is divided into six separately-paginated 'Livres'. The frontispiece was designed and engraved by [Jacques] Rigaud. The author's intention stated in the preface to produce three further volumes was apparently abandoned despite the favourable reception of the present volume, which led to reprints in 1734 and 1739 (q.v.). BAL Early printed books, no. 237.

Copy Notes Inscribed in ink on title-page W Chambers 24 livers [sic], and on verso of second front free-endpaper July 27. 1796 / 1.11:6, the latter being the date Soane acquired the volume and price he paid for it following Christie's sale of A catalogue of a valuable library of books ... late the property of Sir William Chambers, ... on July 16th, 1796 (q.v.), part of lot 40. With marginal notes in pencil and four small sheets of notes in ink by Soane loosely inserted in Livre III at pages 48, 53, 64 and 65. One folded sheet of blank Whatman's paper (watermark date 1794) loosely inserted at p. 60 in Livre V.

Binding C18th mottled calf, blind double-rule borders, gilt-tooled spine with thistle motif, red morocco spine-label.

Reference Number 1666

Additional Names Chambers, Sir William (1723--1796) - In verse; Christie, James, the younger (1773--1831), auctioneer. [Sale cat. 1796:07:16]