First edition, in the very rare 1818 issue, of a Saint Petersburg fortification manual first issued in 1811, including the atlas volume of 20 engraved plates, which is rare in all issues and editions. The main series of plates shows large fortification plans and sections, including many details. The last 3 plates show 80 small figures. Most of the plates are double-page (half sheet), but 7 are larger folding plates. The author remains mysterious. The title-page calls him "Mr. Sea, élève du corps du génie de l'empire Français", but the dedication is signed "Henry Comte de Falkland". The avant-propos notes that the book presents the methods of Alexandre Magnus d'Obenheim (1753-ca. 1835/40), professor of fortification at Metz and formerly Lieutenant-Colonel in the French military engineering service. It gives a very detailed view of the methods that would have been familiar to both the French and the Russians during Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812.
Apparently lacking plate 3 in the main series, but otherwise in very good condition. The bindings are slightly worn in general, with a large abrasion to the marbled paper on the lower outer part of both boards of the atlas volume, but they are otherwise good. A rare Saint Petersburg fortification manual, well and extensively illustrated, of special interest in relation to Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia. WorldCat (1 copy); Jordan 3482 (1 copy); Quérard 9, p. 5 (apparently unseen and misdated 1819); not in Jahns.