A Translation of Part of the First Book of Art of War: Treating of The best Method of defending a Country against Invasions and Popular Tumults. With an Introduction and Preface, in Answer to Modern Objections.

MACHIAVELLI, Niccolò.

Published by London: printed for M. Cooper, 1744

First edition of this translation, resurrecting Machiavelli's military thought to counter a possible French invasion of Britain in the War of the Austrian Succession. In February 1744, soon after war between Britain and France was declared, a French invasion force was launched from Dunkirk, only to be pushed back by storms. The anonymous translator notes Britain's unreadiness for such an invasion has spurred them to publish the excerpt. The first book of Machiavelli's Art of War promotes the creation of an armed citizenry ready to form militias if invaded, rather than relying on mercenaries. For the author - whose lengthy preface and introduction is almost a third of the book - this is a model for Britain to follow. The Art of War was first published in Italian in 1521. This is its fourth separate appearance in English, following editions in 1562, 1574, and 1588. It also appeared in the English editions of Machiavelli's collected works, which were published from 1675 onwards. The publication is rare: ESTC traces only four copies, at LSE, Yale, University of California, and Cornell. It has been little remarked on in the literature on Machiavelli. ESTC N49554. Octavo (201 x 117 mm), pp. xxiv, 40. Recent brown quarter sheep, blue paper-covered boards. Contents a little browned, slight nick at head of title page. A very good copy. Seller Inventory # 174828

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Translation of Part of the First Book of ...
Publisher: London: printed for M. Cooper, 1744
Edition: 1st Edition