Histoire des progrès de la puissance navale de l'Angleterre

Second edition, partly in first edition, preferable to the first as it was expanded with two books (and supporting documents) and above all corrected and revised by the author (who complains about the first edition in the preface), and the first Parisian edition, after the original published in Yverdon in 1783.
Bound in full blonde glazed and speckled calf. Smooth spine decorated with 4 tools in compartments. Red morocco title label; round black morocco volume label. Double fillet frame on boards. Handsome copy.
Reflections on England's extraordinary naval power at the end of the 18th century and during its golden eras. The author, after an introduction on the history of maritime powers, traces the detailed history of the navy in England since Julius Caesar's invasion. All periods are studied: Middle Ages, 17th century... The supporting documents are precious. Many pages are naturally devoted to the New World, Francis Drake's battles in South America, the conflicts between English and French for dominance of Hudson Bay, the Seven Years' War and the conquest of Canada.