Le Manoeuvrier, ou Essai sur la Thoerie et la Pratique des Mouvemens du Navire et des Evolutions Navales. Par. Officier des Vaisseaux de la Compagnie des Indes.

BOURDE DE VILLEHUET, Jacques.

Published by Paris: chez Desaint, 1769

About this Item

Second edition. Bourde de Villehuet (1732-1789) was an officer in the French East India Company and his book, originally issued with a high commendation from the Académie in 1765, was an important influence on the development of English naval thought. Julian Corbett writes, "though less illuminating on fundamental principles than [French admiral Bigot de] Morogues its methods of handling a fleet are more fully elaborated, and it ends by heralding the final reform with an explanation of the system of numerary signals devised and practised by that all too little appreciated genius Mahé de la Bourdonnais, under whom the author must have served in India". Despite the efforts of the reforming Royal Navy officer Richard Kempenfelt (who produced a translation of the signal portion of the book in 1781), a full translation into English was not made until 1788. Scott 340. Julian Corbett, Signals and Instructions, 1776-1794, 1898. Octavo (195 x 12 mm). With 8 engraved folding plates of naval manoeuvres, wood-engraved head- and tailpieces. Contemporary mottled calf, spine with five raised bands, richly gilt in compatments, dark red morocco label, Placard pattern marbled endpapers, red edges. Contemporary signatures to half-title and title page, the latter with some "burn through" to the next leaf. Wear to spine ends and corners, short splits to joints but sound, stripping of leather on covers, some light browning, paper flaw at foot of D5, closed tear at foot of Q3 (not affecting text). A good copy. Seller Inventory # 172916

Bibliographic Details

Title: Le Manoeuvrier, ou Essai sur la Thoerie et ...

Publisher: Paris: chez Desaint, 1769