This is a rather famous map of the British Isles. The upper part of the map is flanked by views of London and Edinburgh, and an inset map of the Orkneys. The London view is ca. 1600, with St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower on the north bank and the Globe on the south, with prominently shown bridge. The Edinburgh view likely is based upon a manuscript map ca. 1588. Plenty of topographical, river, lake and settlement detail is offered. Embellished with coat of arms, medals or coins, putti, sea monsters, ships, compass rose, and cartouches. Speed has compiled the map from various sources: Saxton for England & Wales, Hondius's map of 1591 for Ireland & Mercator for Scotland. It was engraved by J Hondius for issue in Speed's 'Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain'. English text on verso.
1611 Speed Map of the British Isles
Title
The Kingdome of Great Britaine and Ireland
Map Maker Specifics
J Speed, 1611 c., London
Size
14.8 X 19.8 in. plus margins
Condition
Fair. Nice print on thicker laid paper, with watermark. Both lower corners with noticeable losses, ca. 2 in. into map. Slight loss in upper right. A couple of pinholes and splits. Previous restorations, mostly closing splits, is evident on verso. Issued centerfold.