Clive A. Burden LTD. Rare Maps, Antique Atlases, Books and Decorative Prints

The Mapping of North America

Mr. Philip D. Burden​
P.O. Box 863,
Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks HP6 9HD,
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 (0) 1494 76 33 13
Email: enquiries@caburden.com

A very attractive example from the most prestigious English world atlas of the seventeenth century by John Speed (1552-1629). The carte-a-figures bears various national dress flanking both sides and above are found nine views of towns including Madrid, Sevilla, Lisbona, Valladolid, Granada, Toledo, Barcelona, Burgos and Cadiz.

Speed is the most famous of all the English map-makers. His two most celebrated publications are ‘The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain’ covering the British Isles, first published in 1611[12] and the ‘Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World’, first published in 1627. Speed was a tailor by profession with a great interest in history and maps. He wanted to produce an English atlas of the same high standards and quality as those published on the continent.

The ‘Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World’ was published in 1627, two years before the death of Speed. Ownership of the atlas passed through various hands until sometime after 1668 when Roger Rea sold the rights to Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell. Bassett was a specialist in legal books and Chiswell was the publisher for the Royal Society. The final 1676 edition of the ‘Prospect’ includes eight further maps on seven sheets appearing for the first and only time. Hernando ‘El Mapa de Espana’ p. 224; ‘Olhar o Mundo ler o Territorio’ Exhibition Catalogue p. 147; Phillips ‘Atlases’ 488; Shirley BL T.Spe 1j; Skelton 92; Wing S4886.
SPEED, John

Spaine Newly Described with Many Adictions, both in the Attires of the People & the Setuations of their Cheifest Cityes by John Speed 1626

Sold by Tho:Bassett in Fleetstreet and Richard Chiswell in St. Pauls Church Yard, London, 1627-[76]
415 x 540 mm., with trimmed margins just affecting the neatline in the lower margin, light paper crease at the centrefold, otherwise good condition.
Stock number: 5320
£ 950
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