ISTRUZIONI MILITARI RACCOLTE DAL COTTO FRANCESCO FERRO IN SERUIZIO DELLA SERENSS. REPUB. DI VENEZIA (fully manuscript with pen and ink illustration)

1745. Book entirely in neat ink manuscript. Title page has VERY FINE ORIGINAL pen and ink picture of a female figure wearing a helmet with two large military maps unscrolling above her head on each side. Two cannons flank the woman on each side as well. The picture is exceptionally well-done. Both the title and the picture are so finely rendered that they appear to be printed (which as far as we can tell they are not.) Title page is followed by 3 page letter, one blank page , then 286 pages of text, one blank, 2 page Indice, final blank. Book is stunningly illustrated with 12 foldout maps and diagrams of battleground formations. One foldout map has an armada of tiny ships very finely drawn and each with red flags, facing soldiers in formation on green-outlined shoreline. All maps have at least one color, some have three colors. Two maps have very attractive and elaborate rose compasses. Several show tents of soldier encampments with each tent carefully drawn. Book also has 8 foldout charts. Book was later published, the first edition as far as we can tell was in 1751. The manuscript is 11-3/4 x 8 3/4 inches; 22 x 30 cm., full leather. Leather is a bit worn and rubbed with a few tiny chips and wormholes 5 raised spine bands and mounted red leather spine label with full gilt trim on spine. Cover is Good Plus; binding is very secure although inner hinges are beginning to crack. Text itself is VG plus to very near Fine. Very neat; very legible; clean, no stains. A very pages have extreme tip worn off. No ownership marks except faint stamp on front end paper (name is illegible). Unique as well as being an highly important historical document. Pictures sent upon request. .