SAINT-SIMON (M. H.). Histoire de la guerre des Alpes ou camp - Lot 72

SAINT-SIMON (M. H.). Histoire de la guerre des Alpes ou campagne de MDCCXLIV, par les armées combinées d'Espagne et de France commandées par S.A.R. l'infant Don Philippe et S.A.S. le Prince de Conti où l'on a joint l'histoire de Coni depuis sa fondation en 1120 jusqu'à présent. Amsterdam, Rey, 1770. In-4, half marbled calf, spine ribbed and decorated. Second edition published one year after the original, containing for the first time the history of the House of Cuneo. (Brunet V, 60; Quérard VIII, 376.) It is illustrated with 5 magnificent folding maps, here in first printing, and 2 folding tables. This work is highly esteemed by the military, as the author shows himself to be as much a fine tactician as a skilful writer. It is accompanied by 5 geographical maps and a table giving details of Annibal's passage of the Alps according to the accounts of Polybius, Titus Livius, Folard and the author's own observations. In his highly critical preface, Saint-Simon endeavors to establish that Annibal passed where Barcelonnette is today and crossed the gorges of Mount Viso. A very fine copy.