[Carl Daniel Küster (editor)] - Officier-Lesebuch historisch-militairischen Inhalts mit untermischten interessanten Anekdoten, - 1793-1797

Officier-Lesebuch historisch-militairischen Inhalts mit untermischten interessanten Anekdoten, herausgegeben von einer Gesellschaft militairischer Freunde. 6 volumes complete - [Carl Daniel Küster (editor)]

Berlin: Carl Matzdorffs Buchhandlung, 1793-1797. 6 volumes. Vol I: xii, 240, [10] pages; Vol II: x, [4], 246 pages; Vol III: viii, [4], 186, [10] pages; Vol IV: [5], 236 pages; Vol V: [4], 188 pages; Vol VI: [9], 268 pages. 17cm x 10.2cm. Half leather binding with sand-coloured boards, and gilt decorated and lettered spine. Rare first edition of this professional development manual that was intended to educate Prussian officers through a mix of theory and entertainment, including tactical education, moral instruction, and military science. It also includes letters, orders, and quotes from Frederick II. These were used as "gold standards" for leadership, showcasing his strategic genius and his famous wit. Comes with a colour fold-out engraving depicting details about the 4 wars of Friedrich the Great, a fold-out colour map of the Prussian countries, engraved frontispieces of Friedrich the Great, General von Moellendorff, and an Obrist from Szekely, 6 engraved title vignettes, as well as several engravings of army formations, many of them in colour.
Rubbing, bumping, wear, and some soiling to the boards and spines. Pen and pencil markings on the front free endpaper in Vol I, pen markings on the front free endpaper in Vol II-VI. Pen markings on the title page in all volumes. Pen marking on the back pastedown endpaper in Vol V. The fold-out map at the end of Vol II is torn off and fully loose, yet still complete. Some browning and spotting throughout, as usual. The text is clear, the paper is crisp, the illustrations are vibrant, and the binding is solid in all six volumes. Overall, a well-preserved set in very good condition.