This map of Wales is by arguably the most famous English cartographer, John Speed (1552-1629). First published in the ‘Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain’, 1612, which was the first atlas of the whole British Isles. He was a tailor by trade and had a fascination for history. He used numerous sources for the counties and had the plates engraved by Jodocus Hondius in Amsterdam. This issue is from the 1646 edition published by William Humble. Speed’s maps are noted for being the first to include the boundaries of the hundreds, and for introducing town plans on the maps. Here we find on the left panel Beaumaris, Carnarvan, Harlieg, Cardigan, Penbrok and Carmarthen. The right side bears Denbigh, Flint, Montgomery, Radnor, Brecknok and Cardife.

The last and most complete ‘regular’ edition was published by Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell in 1676. Following that they were sold by Christopher Browne of which only a handful of examples bound together exist. Browne disposed of them it is believed in 1713 upon his retirement. Despite Skelton citing their ownership by Henry’s father John Overton c.1700, the evidence appears otherwise. The date 1713 is arrived at by the fact that the last known advert by Browne was in the ‘Daily Courant’ 14 August 1712 and by 1715 his shop was occupied by George Willdey. Also in 1713 Henry Overton abandoned his scheme for a series of county maps and ceased production of newly engraved plates. There are four distinct issues by Overton over some thirty years. Overton added roads to this state. Provenance: Ross Bookshop 1990; private collection. Booth (1977) 8; Evans (1964) p. 7; Roberts (1994) [7]; Shirley (2004) T.Spe 1g; Skelton (1970) 48.