229 - [MILITARIA - NAPOLEON]. CRUYPLANTS, Eugène. An Illustrated History of a Belgian Corps in the Service of the Republic: The 112th Demi-Brigade.

[MILITARIA - NAPOLEON]. CRUYPLANTS, Eugène. An Illustrated History of a Belgian Corps in the Service of the Republic: The 112th Demi-Brigade. Brussels, Spineux & Cie, 1902. Quarto, green morocco-impressed half-leather with corner caps, ribbed spine framed by blind-stamped fillets extending onto the covers, special gilt stamping between the ribs (crossed sabers and a bicorne hat), marbled paper endpapers and inner covers, gilt top edge (contemporary binding). xxiv and 423 pp., followed by 1 f. and 4 pp. of music, 4 color reproductions, 130 black-and-white engravings, 10 maps or plans. Binding rubbed; spine and part of the covers faded. First edition of this rare study tracing the history of Belgian soldiers enlisted in the armies of the Republic and the Empire within the famous 112th Battle Demi-Brigade, from the camps at Boulogne to the campaigns in Spain, Italy, and Saxony. The author based his work on the original manuscripts of Major Joseph de Maugeer, who was himself a former officer in this regiment. The volume is richly illustrated with 4 color reproductions, 130 black-and-white engravings, and 10 maps or plans. At the end of the book is the score of the march dedicated to Major Cruyplants by Bandmaster Waucaupt. This copy is enhanced by an autograph dedication signed by the author on a blank flyleaf: “Work awarded by the Académie française. To Baron Lahure, French Consul, Cordial regards from the author. Eug. Cruyplants. November 5, 1907.” It also features two photographic portraits on heavy paper (14x20 cm and 15x19 cm), one of which depicts Colonel Cruyplants (the other portrait has tears along the margins). A beautiful and sturdy copy with a clean and fresh interior.