First English edition of Blaise de Monluc's own detailed account of his career, beginning as a foot-soldier and finally becoming Marshal of France, providing a military history of France from 1521 to 1576. He also provides "divers instructions" for anyone wishing to bear arms with "any eminent degree of honor" and "prudently" fight in wars. It therefore also serves as a practical handbook of military techniques and tactics. The present translation is by Charles Cotton (1630-1697), an English poet who dedicated the work to Philip, Earl of Chesterfield and Lord Stanhope, and also contributed one of the preliminary verses. Blaise de Monluc (1501-1577) began his career as an archer and foot soldier in the reign of King Francois I (1494-1547), who played a major role in bringing Renaissance culture and technical knowledge to France, inaugurating its golden age.
With two engraved bookplates. With a couple small abrasions on the frontispiece, but otherwise in very good condition, with only some minor defects. The binding has been rebacked and the boards show some restorations. A colourful and insightful account of military actions, tactics and techniques in Renaissance France. ESTC R37642; Wing M2506; cf. Sloos, Warfare and the age of printing 03051.