Geometrical principles & designs for gun barrels

SARDI, Pietro. L'Artiglieria . divisa in tre libri .

Published by Venice, Giovanni Guerrigli for the author,, 1621

About this Item

Sardi, Pietro. L'Artiglieria . divisa in tre libri. Venice, appreßo Giovanni Guerrigli a spese dell'Autore, 1621. Folio. [6]f including engraved frontispiece + 142p of text. Roman & italic letter. With 18 large textual engravings (4 full-page), and 9 folding engraved plates. Numerous ornamental woodcuts and initials. Half vellum. First edition of this influential Renaissance work on artillery arranged in 3 books. The first book treats the history of ballistics; the second book demonstrates the geometrical principles and design of gun barrels, and the casting and testing of bronze barrels of various sizes (chapters 19-24); the third book instructs on the design and manufacture of mounts, wheels, mortars, and loading instruments, the rules for bombardiers, and on the application of saltpetre and gunpowder (chapters 49-5 of which an English translation was included in Henry Stubbe's Legends no histories in 1670); chapter 58 describes and illustrates a variety of naval cannon, suggesting the most effective armament to be used for the defence of ports against warships; chapter 64 relates to the defence of alpine passes with artillery. The engraved title features a gun barrel with loading instruments on either side of the text, and below a bust portrait of the author at the age of 50. Sardi, a Roman architect and engineer, dedicates his work to a Genovese patron, Giacomo Cattaneo. A reprint appeared at Bologna 68 years later in 1689. A good copy; small repair in margin of title and last leaf. Cockle 688; Riccardi II, 423; Riling 90. Seller Inventory # 5399

Bibliographic Details

Title: Geometrical principles & designs for gun ...

Publisher: Venice, Giovanni Guerrigli for the author,

Publication Date: 1621

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Good

Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

Edition: 1st Edition