Military Science and Napoleonic Warfare The Officer’s Manual in the Field, First English Edition with Campaign Plans, 1798

Georg Oswald von Czettritz

First Edition

The Officer’s Manual in the Field; or, a Series of Military Plans, Representing the Principal Operations of a Campaign, 1798 rare First English edition presenting late eighteenth century European military strategy through illustrated tactical instruction at the outset of the Napoleonic era. Translated from German under the patronage of the Duke of York, the work situates British military practice within continental traditions of warfare, offering structured guidance on troop deployment, maneuver, and battlefield organization. The volume contributes to the study of military science, the transmission of strategic knowledge across national contexts, and the development of formalized officer training during a period of sustained European conflict. The manual is closely linked to the "secret manuscripts" of Frederick the Great. General von Czettritz was captured in 1760 during the Seven Years' War, and the tactical instructions he carried were later published in London as Military Instructions by the King of Prussia.

The Officer’s Manual in the Field; or, a Series of Military Plans, Representing the Principal Operations of a Campaign. London: T. Bensley, 1798. First English edition. Duodecimo volume containing 70 pages of text accompanied by 60 engraved plates depicting battlefield formations, fortifications, and operational scenarios. Each plate is paired with explanatory letterpress instructions detailing troop movements and tactical considerations. The work reflects contemporary military pedagogy, presenting hypothetical engagements designed to instruct officers in planning and execution.

The Officer's Manual in the Field; or, a Series of Military Plans, Representing the Principal Operations of a Campaign. 1st English Edition; "Translated from the German. Under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Duke of York." London: T. Bensley, 1798. 12mo. 7" x 5.5" inches. 70 pages plus 60 plates of maps depicting primarily army positions, maneuvers, and fortifications. The present volume is a rare officer’s manual from the Napoleonic era. In his "History of Frederick the Great" (1858-65) Carlyle recounts a story of General Czetteritz's capture and loss of "secret manuscript," which found its way to publication in London in 1762 as "Military Instructions by the King of Prussia." Several editions were published under that title. The present volume is perhaps related. Uncommon. As of the time this description is being written, OCLC locates only 20 copies; the Library of Congress copy is defective; missing several plates and text pages. The 60 detailed copperplate plans depict hypothetical scenes of military engagement, each with accompanying letterpress legend and instructions for deploying troops, etc. This text would have been at the leading edge of military science when Britain was near the apex of her power. Alexander Hamilton ordered ten copies of this book for the continental army in June 1799. (See The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, Volume 23, p205) Full calf binding with rubbing and some chips to covers and the spine label. Some minor edgewear and chipping on boards, but interiors are clean and tight. Overall in very good condition.

Item #17250

Price: $2,200.00