The cadet. A Military Treatise.
London.
Printed for W. Johnston, 1756.
First edition.
8vo.
xiv, 244pp. Preliminary leaves misbound. With an engraved folding plate. Contemporary gilt-ruled calf, morocco lettering-piece. Rubbed, joints starting, some loss to head of dulled spine. Bookplate of Teston Library to FEP, scattered spotting.
The first edition of a comprehensive martial manual intended to provide instruction to young British Army cadets in all manner of military aspects including drill, discipline, tactics, and strategy.
The book consists primarily of quotations chiefly from French military authorities, with additional remarks by the compiler. In November 1756, writing for the Literary Magazine, Samuel Johnson reviewed the work, taking the opportunity to offer his opinions of military academies and bluntly state: 'The book is of no great use but to military men...it is written in a dialect which none but they can understand...If an army is necessary, it is fit that the duties of an army should be known, and this book may be fitly recommended as conducive to that knowledge'. A second and final edition appeared in 1762.
The book consists primarily of quotations chiefly from French military authorities, with additional remarks by the compiler. In November 1756, writing for the Literary Magazine, Samuel Johnson reviewed the work, taking the opportunity to offer his opinions of military academies and bluntly state: 'The book is of no great use but to military men...it is written in a dialect which none but they can understand...If an army is necessary, it is fit that the duties of an army should be known, and this book may be fitly recommended as conducive to that knowledge'. A second and final edition appeared in 1762.
ESTC T134343.
£ 450.00
Antiquates Ref: 22807
