LORINI Buonaiuto Le Fortificationi nuovamente ristampate, corrette & ampliate… Con l’aggiunta del sesto libro dove si mostra, con la scienza e con la pratica, l’ordine di fortificare le citta & altri luoghi.

Kat. Berlin, 3519; Cockle, 791.

First complete edition of the six books.

The original of 1596 contained only five books and is very rare because it was printed in small numbers and only distributed among a few dignitaries, .

This work on fortifications is the masterpiece of Lorini (1545-1611), architect and engineer. A great promoter of military architecture in Italy, Lorini directed the fortifications of Venice and the Dalmatian coast during the war against the Turks. The book’s illustrations include a portrait of the author engraved by Kilian, as well as numerous woodcuts in the text showing fortresses, war machines, artillery pieces, bastions, etc. There are also descriptions of some of Lorini’s most important fortifications.

There are also descriptions of equipment used in construction: devices for lifting water and transporting loads, a gunpowder mill, a dredging machine, an excavator and a diving bell for underground work, etc. Lorini invented machines for digging canals and making excavations, as well as special formwork for building walls.

A few leaves slightly foxed or browned. A copy with full margins, entirely uncut.