DETAILLE (Édouard). The French Army. Text by Jules Richard. Paris : Boussod, Valadon et Cie, 1885-1889. - 2 volumes in-folio, red half-maroquin with corners, spine ribbed and decorated, gilt head, untrimmed (binding of the time). First edition of one of the most beautiful books published on the French Army in the 19th century, providing in particular precious information on the dress of the troops from 1789 to 1883. Volume I is devoted to the staffs, schools, infantry and cavalry. The second volume deals with the special arms, the indigenous and auxiliary corps and the navy. This edition is distinguished by its rich illustration based on drawings by Édouard Detaille, including 285 black vignettes in the text as well as two black frontispieces and 60 color plates, all reproduced in heliogravure. Copy of the normal edition on wove paper, enriched with the first cover of the sixteenth and last issue, bound at the head of the first volume, as well as that of the first issue, unbound, illustrated on the front with a composition in colors by Detaille and including on the back the advertisement for the deluxe edition of the work. Beautiful copy in contemporary binding. Spine slightly browned, small rubs to the corners. Scattered foxing.