L'art de batir les vaisseaux, et d'en perfectionner la construction; de les garnir de leurs apparaux, les mettre en funin, les manoeuvrer, &c. [...].

2 parts in 1 vol., 4to: [4]-82-94, [2]-24 pp. (some min. browning and spotting, ff. loosening spine, without the table of contents (often lacking) after the 2nd part).

Contemp. calf, gilt-orn. spine with raised bands (scratches on covers, def. on head, tail and bands, loose binding).

First edition of this important work of naval architecture based on the translation of essential Dutch works on the subject incl. those of Carel Allard, Nicolas Witsen and Cornelis Van Eyck. This "French Allard", as it is sometimes called, is one of the rare works to give technical and practical details on the navy at the time of Louis XIV. Ill. with 2 title-vign., 35 ill. in-text and 19 (on 22) and 88 (on 90) full-page plates of which some fold. detailing the various vessels but also the tools, instruments, structural parts, apparatus and tackle (fixed and mobile equipment intended to carry out the maneuvers) etc. The 2nd part, dealing with "Flags, or banners, which most nations display at sea", has two different titles dated 1718 and 1719 respectively. Titles in red & black.
Ref. STCN. - Berlin Kat. 1454. - Polak 56.
Prov. Ms. entry on title.
Bound with, as often: Michelot, Henri - Le portulan de la mer Mediterranée, ou Le vray guide des pilotes costiers [...]. Ibid., 1709. [8]-175 pp. Ill. with one engr. pl. Title in red & black.