Elton, The Compleat Body of the Art Military, London, 1650, modern calf

FIRST EDITION, large 4to (167 x 173mm.), with initial licence leaf, engraved portrait by Droeshout, woodcut initials and head-and tail-pieces, 5 folding diagrams (one on 2 sheets), with: The copie of a letter written by the honourable, the militia of the City of London, to Sir Nathanael Brent. London, 11 April 1649, single page bound at front of volume, modern panelled calf, gilt edges, minor browning

Richard Elton's training manual supplanted that of William Barriffe (1635; see lot 86), which had been more suited to the parade ground than the battle field (see ODNB).

Sir Nathanael Brent is named in the printed imprimatur at the end, dated 13 April 1649; he was appointed a licenser for books by Parliament in 1643.

LITERATURE:

ESTC R24314 & R227338 (listing one copy only, at BL)

PROVENANCE:

L. Aston, signature to title