Art

John Speed (1552-1629) is arguably the most famous name in early English cartography. In 1610 he published his wonderful and historic atlas 'The Theatre of Great Britain'. In 1627 he published another edition entitled 'A Prospect of The Most Famous Parts of The World', published in London by John Sudbury and George Humble. Speed based his maps on the earlier works done by Christopher Saxton and John Norden. His maps have always been keenly sought after as include many decorative features. Examples include: compass roses, cherubs, coats of arms, mannerist style decoration, prominent town plans, calligraphy and well defined regional physical features. John Speed's maps proved so popular that they were issued for many years after his death. This example is of the Welsh county of Merionethshire. Size:420 x 545 mm. Copperplate engraving with later hand colour. Fair condition. Map has had repairs to lower centrefold and margin. General toning.