Extremely rare unauthorized fourth edition of a manual on field fortification by the German officer Johann Gotlieb Tielke (1731-1787), first published in 1769. In his introduction, Tielke advises "young officers, who are desirous of studying" (English ed.) to read the present work till they thoroughly understand it, and to complement it with other military works "to acquire competent knowledge of the attack and defence of places" (English ed.). It is divided into three parts, the first dealing with marches and camps, answering questions such as: what are a field engineer's duties?, how to build roads and bridges, how to choose a proper place for encampment, etc. The second part treats field fortification, necessary materials and tools, etc., also with comments on commanding and distributing the workers. Lastly it deals with attacking and defending fortifications. As noted on the title-page, the text (and the engravings) give examples from "the latest war", meaning the Seven Years' War (1756-1763).
With a manuscript owner's inscription on title-page. Frontispiece and title-page heavily browned, foxed throughout and with some occasional (ink) stains, otherwise in good condition. Binding very good, only slightly rubbed along the extremities. Jordan 3774 (1 copy); this ed. not in WorldCat.