MANSTEIN, Christoph Hermann von. Memoirs of Russia, Historical, Political, and Military, from the Year MDCCXXVII, to MDCCXLIV. A Period Comprehending many Remarkable Events. In Particular the Wars of Russia with Turky [sic] and Sweden. With Supplement, containing a Summary Account of the State of the Military, the Marine, the Commerce, etc., of that Great Empire. Translated from the original Manuscript of General Manstein, an Officer of Distinction in the Russian Service. Never before published. London, T. Becket and P. A. de Hondt, 1770.
4to. Contemporary tan calf, rebacked in the 20th century, retaining the original red morocco lettering-piece; pp. viii, 424, [8], ten folding engraved maps and plans; p. 109 with small flaw to corner, only occasional minor spotting or toning; a very good copy.
First edition The Baron von Manstein, of German origin, served in the Russian army, and was an eyewitness to most of the incidents he relates in his Memoirs, having participated in the Russo-Turkish War of 1735-39 and the so-called Hats War between Russia and Sweden 1741-43, led by the Swedish “Hats” party. Sweden subsequently lost a lot of territory. “A work of authority, illustrated with maps and plans. The recommendatory address was written by David Hume” (Lowndes, 1466). “It contains the history of Russia during an interesting period, which is not generally known” (David Hume).
Atabey 758; ESTC T122596 ; not in Blackmer.
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