FER, Nicholas de (1646-1720). [Les Forces de l'Europe, ou Description des Principales Villes avecs leurs fortifications ... pour l'usage de Monseigneur Le Duc De Bourgogne.] Paris: chez L'auteur, 1705[-1710]. 8 parts in one volume, oblong 2° (255 x 380mm). Engraved 'Introduction a la Fortification' title with dedication to the Duc de Bourgogne to part 1, 189 maps and plans (pl. 97 not issued) and complete with the maps of Batavia and Quebec added in contemporary ink manuscript on table of contents, 7 engraved leaves with list of contents and explanatory text, folding engraved folding table of distances at end, extra-illustrated with 5 maps and plans not called for in Pastoureau, 2 of which folding and dated 1710-1711. (Lacking typographic titles, part-title and engraved table of contents creased and soiled, occasional light browning.) Contemporary half calf over marbled-paper covered boards (worn, upper cover just holding, front free endpaper detached). Provenance: James Erskine, Lord Alva (1722-1796, engraved armorial bookplate on first plate, contemporary ink ownership inscriptions on front pastedown and verso of title dated 1779). One of de Fer's more original atlases, Les Forces de l'Europe profited from the rise in interest and popularity of Vauban's systems of fortifications. This is most probably the third issue of 1705 with some slightly later plates added at time of binding. Pastoureau Fer IX C; Shirley BL T.FER-1g.