THE FOURE BOOKS OF FLAVIUS VEGETIUS RENATUS,
brieflye contayninge a plaine forme, and perfect knowledge of Martiall policye, feates of Chivalrie, and whatsoeuer pertayneth of warre. Translated out of lattine, into Englishe, by John Sadler. Pp. [xx]+[132](numbered to 66 on rectos only, with some mispagination)+[16](woodcuts and Contents), black letter, title within pictorial woodcut border, 4 leaves of woodcuts of war engines at end, decorative initials, head & tailpieces; small 4to, in 8s; later full calf, spine ruled in gilt around 5 raised bands, with gilt lettered red leather titling pieces, the boards with single gilt rule border, edges a trifle rubbed; later endpapers and binder's blanks, dentelles decorated in gilt (offset onto free endpapers), bookplate of David Levine, Sydney, on upper pastedown, small early inked annotation (partly crossed out) on title page; a few leaves (including the title page), closely shaved, a little light foxing; imprinted by Thomas Marshe, London, 1572. First edition. STC 24631; Cockle 17. *The first printed English version of De Re Militari by Vegetius. (Earlier English translations exist in manuscript form). Written circa 390 AD and focusing on military organization (how to set up and fortify a camp, train and discipline troops, how to march, etc.), De Re Militari was highly influential in Europe after the Middle Ages. Several maxims still in use can be traced to the work including 'If you want peace, prepare for war'. (In Sadler's translation: \lquote He therefore that desireth peace, let him prepare for war' [Book 3, Prologue]). John Sadler was a schoolmaster and parish priest who undertook the translation at the suggestion of Sir Edmond Brudenell of Deene, Northamptonshire. For the title page border see McKerrow & Ferguson (Title- page borders used in England & Scotland 1485-1640), 125. Item #177263
Price: $15,000.00