Felton, Engins invented to save much blood and moneyes (in these times of warre), London, 1644

FELTON, EDMOND

Engins invented to save much blood and moneyes (in these times of warre) and to doe extraordinary good service, with the approbation of the Honourable Major Generall Skippon, and five of the committee for the fortifications of the city of London. London: Thomas Underhill, 1644

FIRST EDITION, small 4to (185 x 130mm.), 8pp., modern red half calf

Felton had invented "an engine for warre, which will keep the horse from the foot, and secure the musketeers from all shot but for ordnance, and much secure them from small shot out of ordnance..." (p.6), which he presented to Parliament, though without success. No copy is recorded at auction in over 40 years. Felton's brother, a veteran of the siege of La Rochelle, killed the Duke of Buckingham in 1628, for which he was hanged at Tyburn.

LITERATURE:

ESTC R23498 (5 copies); T. Raylor, "Providence and technology in the English Civil War: Edmond Felton and his engine", Renaissance Studies 7 (1993), 398-413