This fine little series of maps was first published by James Wallis (fl.1810-25) c.1812 as Wallis’ New Pocket Edition of the English Counties or Traveller’s Companion. The maps are easily distinguished by the design of the title at the top of the map. They include a wealth of information with a key in the lower margin. A further edition was published c.1814 before they were used in two works by Patrick Martin, as the extremely rare Sportsman’s Almanack and the New Travellers Guide which survives in just the one known example.

By 1819 the work was in the hands of William Lewis (fl.1796-1838) who reissued it as Lewis’s, New Traveller’s Guide, reusing the title with its attractive vignette of a coach and four with postillions. Although undated the Preface is signed 16 October 1819. It was first issued with the maps still bearing the imprint of Martin below. This was understandably altered quickly; this example bears the corrected imprints of Lewis at Finch Lane. There have been some alterations to many of the maps, roads have been re-engraved, the etching to the coast lines has been removed and many new placenames added. Chubb records that the map of Lincolnshire is an entirely new plate. It certainly appears so and is something not picked up by Carroll in his county cartobibiography. All of them are in lovely full early wash colour. Provenance: private English collection. Carroll (1996) 68; Chubb (1927) 364; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).