SUCHET LOUIS-GABRIEL (1770–1826) Mémoires du maréchal Suchet, duc d’Albufera, sur ses campagnes en Espagne, depuis 1808 jusqu’en 1814. Écrits par lui-même. Paris: Adolphe Bossange, Firmin Didot, 1828. 2 volumes in-8°. (4) ff., LI, 376 pp.; X, 570, (2) pp.

Aubergine calf binding, large cathedral plate, double blind-stamped head, decorated spine, interior lace, marbled edges, modern slipcase (Vogel). Without the folio atlas comprising 16 large battle maps. Spine faded. Rubbing to caps. Bookplate on half board. First edition, illustrated with an engraved portrait of Marshal Suchet After Horace Vernet, and two folding plates in volume II. An autograph inscription by the Duchess of Albufera, widow of Marshal Suchet, to a descendant of Marshal Lannes, one of Napoleon’s most loyal followers who successfully participated in all the great campaigns. The engraved ex-libris of this descendant, Duke of Montebello, is affixed to the inside cover. ‘Memoirs written by Suchet in the last years of his life based on his official correspondence. They reveal a desire for objectivity: Suchet acknowledges the difficulties he encountered during the guerrilla war. His account begins with the Battle of Maria and the siege of Zaragoza, the fighting in Aragon and the siege of Lérida. Chapters X and XVIII, devoted to the administration of the occupied provinces, are particularly interesting’ (Tular, 1384). Louis-Gabriel Suchet, Duke of Albufera, French military officer, elevated by Napoleon to the rank of Marshal of the Empire in 1811.