Viollet-le-Duc - Histoire d'une Forteresse - 1884

Charming edition of this didactic and illustrated tale tracing the evolution of a fictional fortress through the centuries -

It successively describes the phases of construction, transformation, and defense, linking them to historical, political, and military contexts. It illustrates the progress of military architecture, from medieval fortifications to modern bastions -

It combines historical narration with a technical demonstration, explaining the principles of fortification and siege strategies. The text is accompanied by numerous illustrations and plans drawn by Viollet-le-Duc himself -

These images reinforce the educational dimension and allow visualization of the architectural transformations. The work reflects the author's aim to popularize the history and technique of military architecture -

It bears witness to his rationalist approach and his concern to demonstrate the constructive logic of buildings. He fits into the tradition of historical narratives intended to inform as well as to captivate. It constitutes a valuable source for understanding Viollet-le-Duc’s thought and his role in the transmission of architectural knowledge.

Viollet-le-Duc - History of a Fortress - 1884 - J. Hetzel and Co.
368 pp.

Very good condition of the binding, the work in its green half-leather edition, wear from use, gilded edges, spine with raised bands nicely ornamented, titling and author's name gilded, blind-stamped fillets framing the covers -

Good interior condition, some foxing; the work is enriched with fine engravings outside the text, including a frontispiece.

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