Rare first and only edition, luxuriously executed and printed for the author, of a treatise on fortification by the Dutch engineer Cornelis Redelykheid (1728-1787). It centres on methods to improve the masonry and composition of strongholds against hostile artillery and mines, and on fortifying vaults against the most powerful bombs. The large engraved plates with measured drawings include a large fortification plan and several cross-sections, profiles and elevations, many showing vaults. Although the imprint is undated, the author's dedication is dated from Amsterdam, 1759. The present book seems not to have been a normal commercial production but a private publication of the author, probably printed in a small number of copies.
With a library and deaccession stamp on the title-page. With some faint foxing in the margins of the plates, not affecting the illustrations. Very good copy, with generous margins and printed on heavy paper. Binding slightly rubbed along the extremities, front hinge slightly cracked, otherwise in good condition. Bierens de Haan 3892; Jordan 3069 (2 copies); Sloos, Warfare 8135; STCN (6 copies); for Jan Punt: Scheen, p. 413.