Bidspirit auction | Viollet-le-Duc – Histoire d’une forteresse

Viollet-le-Duc – Histoire d’une forteresse – c.1880 Paris – Illustrated with Colour Plates – Fine Half Leather Binding - A beautifully produced and highly desirable illustrated work by one of the most influential figures in architectural history: Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc (1814–1879) – the legendary French architect, theorist, and restorer of medieval monuments such as Notre-Dame de Paris and Carcassonne. ⸻ 📚 Bibliographic Details  • Author: Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc  • Title: Histoire d’une forteresse  • Publisher: J. Hetzel, Paris  • Date: ca. 1880  • Format: Large 8vo  • Pages: (4), 368 pp.  • Illustrations:  • Numerous in-text engravings  • 8 colour plates  • Binding: Attractive half leather binding with gilt-decorated spine ⸻ 📖 Content & Importance This famous work presents a didactic and richly illustrated study of medieval military architecture, told through a narrative reconstruction of the evolution of a fortified city. Viollet-le-Duc combines:  • Architectural theory  • Historical reconstruction  • Technical analysis The book is considered a classic reference on fortifications and medieval engineering, widely collected by:  • Architecture enthusiasts  • Military history collectors  • Designers and historians ⸻ 🖼 Illustrations  • Extensive architectural drawings, plans, and cross-sections  • Detailed fortress layouts and siege constructions  • Fine engraved plates  • Colour plates enhancing topographical and structural understanding The visual content is one of the main highlights and greatly increases desirability. ⸻ 📌 Condition  • Elegant half leather binding – very good and decorative  • Gilt spine in excellent condition  • Minor wear consistent with age  • Interior clean with light foxing  • Plates well preserved