Engraved for a Vue d'Optique, these wonderful prints were designed to be viewed in a special apparatus that gave the scene a strong 3-D impression. The title at top is engraved in reverse with captions below, both in German and French. These views are some of the most distinctive and interesting images of the eighteenth century, and their distinctive engraving style, striking perspective and bright original color makes them as visually delightful as they are historically fascinating. This set illustrates the siege of Gibraltar in which the British garrison, under the command of General George Eliot, held the Spanish and French fleets, under Don Alvarez, at bay. In September of 1782 the Spanish and French built up a tremendous force to try to oust the British. There were 50 ships, 10 floating batteries with 154 guns, 40 gunboats, 33,000 troops and 300 pieces of artillery against the 7,000 British defenders. The British destroyed the floating batteries and Admiral Howe ran through the blockade to land provisions, ammunition and reinforcements to the garrison. This allowed the British to hold out for the remainder of the war. This set of prints provides a fascinating view of these incredible battles.

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Condition: A

Minor foxing in margins.