The first and only edition of Bonaventura Pistofilo's curious and elegant illustrated fencing manual. Dedicated to English courtier, diplomat, natural philosopher and polymath Sir Kenelm Digby (1603-1665), with his portrait (attributed to Francesco Bertelli by Brunet). An extensively illustrated manual on the history and handling of pikes, halberds, and muskets. Divided into three parts, the first deals with the origins, history and usage of the pike; the second, shortest section, with the history, etymology and usage of the halberd; and the third, the background and use of the musket and arquebus (including a short history of gunpowder) and a final section on military dress and colours, and flags. In the 'use' section of each part, full-page engraved plates with numbered figures illustrate corresponding passages of text - how to carry a pike and prop it against a wall, how to carry a halberd, etc
In Siena for Hercole Gori, 1621. First Edition. Elegant full parchment binding from the period. Frontispiece in a decorative frame. Portrait of the author in an elegant decorative frame. Illustrated with 53 fine copper engravings by Francesco Bertelli. Dimensions 14x22 cm (oblong), 4 pages of preliminary matter, 316 pages, small tears and holes, commensurate with age . Excellent condition
The first and only edition of Bonaventura Pistofilo's curious and elegant illustrated fencing manual. Dedicated to English courtier, diplomat, natural philosopher and polymath Sir Kenelm Digby (1603-1665), with his portrait (attributed to Francesco Bertelli by Brunet). An extensively illustrated manual on the history and handling of pikes, halberds, and muskets. Divided into three parts, the first deals with the origins, history and usage of the pike; the second, shortest section, with the history, etymology and usage of the halberd; and the third, the background and use of the musket and arquebus (including a short history of gunpowder) and a final section on military dress and colours, and flags. In the 'use' section of each part, full-page engraved plates with numbered figures illustrate corresponding passages of text - how to carry a pike and prop it against a wall, how to carry a halberd, etc
In Siena for Hercole Gori, 1621. First Edition. Elegant full parchment binding from the period. Frontispiece in a decorative frame. Portrait of the author in an elegant decorative frame. Illustrated with 53 fine copper engravings by Francesco Bertelli. Dimensions 14x22 cm (oblong), 4 pages of preliminary matter, 316 pages, small tears and holes, commensurate with age . Excellent condition
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