[Berthier, Louis-Alexandre]

[Berthier, Louis-Alexandre]

Relation de la Bataille de Marengo, gagnée Le vingt-cinq Prairial an 8 par Napoléon Bonaparte 1er Consul, commandant en personne l'armée française de réserve, sur les Autrichiens aux ordres du lieutenant-général Mélas.

Paris, Au dépôt général de la guerre, An XII.

Large folio (683 x 510 mm). Red morocco, fillets and border of multiple gilt roulettes, gilt imperial arms in the center of the sides, smooth spine ornamented with gilt tools, doublure and endpapers in blue tabby, gilt edges (Contemporary binding).

One of the few copies printed in a large folio format on strong vellum, bound in red morocco with imperial arms, intended for the dignitaries of the Empire.

First edition of one of the very first works commissioned by the Emperor to establish his renown. It commemorates the battle won against the Austrians by the very young First Consul on June 14, 1800.

"All the plans of Bonaparte’s campaign have a unique character of both boldness and caution that military men would do well to study carefully" (p. 1).

The work is illustrated by an engraved title and dedication leaf and 6 large engraved plans on a double page showing the movements of troupes in Italy. The general map of the Italian campaign is in watercolor and on the 4 plates giving the detail of the operations of the day of the battle -and of the day after the battle, the battles are indicated in color. The text is printed in an engraved border decorated with stars.