Edmondes, Observations upon Caesars Commentaries, London, 1600, vellum

EDMONDES, CLEMENT

Observations, upon the five first bookes of Caesars Commentaries, setting fourth the practise of the art military, in the time of the Roman Empire... London: Peter Short, 1600

FIRST EDITION, 4to (284 x 188mm.), 6 engraved plates (4 folding), contemporary vellum, slight tears to two folding plates, occasional staining, some soiling to binding

THE RARE FIRST EDITION of this popular exposition (and abridged translation) of books 1-5 of Caesar's Gallic Wars, by the government official Sir Clement Edmondes (1567/8?–1622), dedicated to his friend Sir Francis Vere. It was followed by an exposition of books 6 and 7 which was published in 1604. Edmondes relates his study of Roman tactics to contemporary warfare, focussing on such concerns as a possible invasion of England and the fortification of the Kent coast. ODNB records that Edmondes was present at the battle of Nieuwpoort in 1600 and was privy to the discussions of the English and Dutch commanders, where his patron Vere drew upon an example from Caesar's Commentaries when advising Prince Maurice on the tactics he should employ.

NO COPY IS RECORDED AT AUCTION IN RECENT DECADES.

LITERATURE:

Cockle 71; ESTC S121459; STC 7488