I will not attempt an explanation of the star fort concepts  
attributed to Vauban, but simply refer you to a fine book: A Manual  
of Siegecraft and Fortification, by Sebastian LePrestre de Vauban,  
originally published in Leiden in 1740, Translated with an  
introduction by George A. Rothrock, published by U of Michigan Press  
in 1968.

PEM

Patrick E. Martin
Professor of Archaeology
Department of Social Sciences
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI  49931
phone 906-487-2070,email [log in to unmask]
www.industrialarchaeology.net