Mante, Thomas.

first edition, 4to (288 x 222mm.), 18 folding engraved maps and plans, errata leaf at end, contemporary polished calf, spine in compartments with raised bands gilt, some light spotting and offsetting, upper cover detached, lower joint cracked, extremities rubbed

Sir Christopher Sykes, 2nd baronet, (1749-1801), Sledmere House, Yorkshire; thence by descent

Sabin 44396; Church 1092; Howes M267

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a crisp copy of a scarce and important work on the french and indian wars, with very fine maps and plans. the "best contemporary account of this war" (Howes).

Thomas Mante was an engineer who served in North America for a time and participated in the siege of Havana. His account relates primarily to the war in North America, with detailed narratives of the Braddock campaign and the other frontier and Canadian campaigns of the conflict. There is interesting material on Washington, giving an account of his 1753 escape from assassination by an Indian who acted as his interpreter and guide. The maps have been praised by bibliographers as by far the best that relate to the war; they include several seminal maps ("Sketch of the Cherokee Country" and others) which are the best produced up to that time. Sabin remarks of this book, "It is probable that but few were printed, though the large and beautiful plans and military maps (which give it so great a value) must have made it a work of great expense."