Vauban and the French military under Louis XIV

"Vauban built a formidable ring of fortresses to protect France's national frontiers and was also a gifted economist, author, and political strategist. Covers his exceptional career (within the background of Louis XIV's reign) and lasting influences in France and other nations, with illustrations of 17th century bastioned fortification, artillery, and seige warfare contributions, some still standing"--Provided by publisher.