“LIBERTY DOUBLES THE POWER OF MILITARY INSTITUTIONS”

D'AUMALE, M. Le Duc. The Military Institutions of France. London: Chapman and Hall, 1869. Small octavo, 20th-century full polished tan calf gilt, raised bands. Housed in a custom full morocco clamshell box. $950.

First English edition of this concise history of the military institutions of France, handsomely bound in polished calf.

The Duke D'Aumale's history of the development of French military institutions, from Louvois through the reforms of the post-Napoleonic era. D'Aumale also analyzes how Napoleon came to power and reformed the army with his "genius for organization," while also demonstrating how, by the end of the Emperor's numerous campaigns, "by the abuse which he had made of every military institution, Napoleon had broken their springs of action, and rendered them sterile."

Fine condition. A handsome copy. Scarce.