PERRIER (Jean-Baptiste). — *The Guide for Military Judges, o - Lot 233

PERRIER (Jean-Baptiste). — *The Guide for Military Judges, or Compilation of Laws, Decrees, and Opinions of the Council of State on Criminal, Military, and Maritime Legislation*. Paris: Magimel, bookseller for the Art Militaire, rue de Thionville, No. 9, 1808. In-8, LXXXVIII-506 pp., contemporary brown half-basane, smooth spine decorated with gilt scrolls, red morocco title label, green embossed paper covers. FIRST EDITION of this important manual on Napoleonic military law and justice. Bibliographic references correctly list this first edition as: Paris, Magimel, 1808, LXXXVIII-506 pages; it was followed by editions in 1811, 1813, and 1831. The work compiles the laws, decrees, and opinions of the Council of State pertaining to military and maritime criminal legislation, preceded by a general analysis of this legislation and an alphabetical list of military and maritime offenses, with an indication of the applicable penalties and legal texts. A truly practical tool intended for military courts during the Empire, it is today an interesting source for the history of French military justice and criminal law. This copy is signed by the author, as required by the printed notice opposite the title page: “All copies must be signed by the author.” Perrier’s handwritten signature appears at the bottom of the title page. This feature is also found on copies of later editions. Particularly interesting military provenance: a handwritten inscription on the first endpaper addressed to a senior adjutant of the 1st Battalion of the Belle-Île Regiment, dated Belle-Île, March 1, 1811. This contemporary provenance significantly enhances the copy’s appeal, as the book was clearly used in the very milieu for which it was intended. Binding is scuffed; head and foot caps and joints are slightly worn; covers show some scuffing and signs of use; paper is slightly browned with some foxing and stains. A fine copy in its period binding, signed by the author and enhanced by a contemporary military provenance.