2 volumes. With 60 chromotypographed plates and 2 additional uncolored titles, title vignettes and over 300 text illustrations. Title pages in red and black. (Folio) 47x34 cm (18½x13") ornately bound in period blue morocco with gilt borders and design, raised spine bands with gilt decorated labels in the compartments, spine titles lettered in gilt, inner boards ornately decorated in brown and blue morocco with gilt designs, patterned silk covered endpapers. First Edition.

The aquarelles and drawings used for the work were four years in the making. The publication was meant to glorify the French military, from the Royal Army through the Revolutionary and First Empire armies, to the Restoration, the African corps, the Crimean War era, the Franco-Prussian War and the present at the time of publication. Lavishly bound.