Nicolas de Fer's Introduction à la fortification
The son of a cartographer, Nicolas de Fer inherited his father’s business in 1687. De Fer was able to improve the state of his family’s business and became the official cartographer of Louis, Dauphin of France, only three years later in 1690. This royal position served as a stepping stone which ultimately led to his becoming the official cartographer of King Louis XIV of France and King Philip V of Spain. De Fer was prolific, publishing numerous atlases and hundreds of individual maps. The work on display is dedicated to the Duke of Burgundy, who was the Dauphin’s son. While not described as an atlas, the book does contain maps and illustrations of various fortified cities following a brief overview of the different types of fortifications. On display is a map of Paris.
Bequest of Duncan Payne, class of 1963.
Nicolas de Fer (1646-1720).
Introduction à la fortification: Dediée à Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne.
Paris: J.F. Benard dans l'Isle du Palais sur le Quay de l'Orloge a la Sphere Royale, [1723].
Lehigh University Catalog Record: https://asa.lib.lehigh.edu/Record/00011677840