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Important Cartography from the Niewodniczanski Collection
SPEED, John (1552-1629)
The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine ... Together with a Prospect of the most famous Parts of the World. London: for Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell, 1676.
Details
SPEED, John (1552-1629)
The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine ... Together with a Prospect of the most famous Parts of the World. London: for Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell, 1676.
The Rosebery copy of the best edition of the most influential atlas by England’s greatest cartographer. John Speed’s fame, which continues to this day, lies with two atlases, The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine (first published 1612), and the Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World (1627). The present volume combines both works, and was published posthumously in 1676 with 8 new maps (on 7 sheets) not previously available: New England (Burden 455), Virginia and Maryland (Burden 456), Carolina (Burden 457), Jamaica and Barbados, East India, Russia and Canaan. ‘The 1676 edition of John Speed's famous atlas marked the high point of its publishing history’ (Burden). The Prospect includes the World map showing California as an Island, as well as the Continents. Chubb XXVII; ESTC R13825; Phillips 488; Shirley 317 (state 4); Skelton, County Atlases 92; Wing S4886.
5 parts in one volume, folio (435 x 300mm.). Engraved additional title with facing frontispiece of the Achievement of Charles II, title printed in red and black, 96 double-page engraved maps, comprising: Theatre with 68 double-page engraved maps of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and 5 letterpress tables of road distances, and Prospect with 28 double-page engraved maps of all parts of the world (including the twin-hemispherical world map and 6 maps relating to the Americas) (some foxing and occasional stains, a few maps with chips and tears (some repaired) or long tears at centrefold (notably map of Norfolk), map of Middlesex with slight marginal loss). Near-contemporary reversed calf (extremities rubbed). Provenance: Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery (1847-1929; armorial bookplate) — thence by family descent until sold: ‘Books and Manuscripts from the Library of Archibald, 5th Earl of Rosebery’, Sotheby’s, 29 October 2009, lot 107.
The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine ... Together with a Prospect of the most famous Parts of the World. London: for Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell, 1676.
The Rosebery copy of the best edition of the most influential atlas by England’s greatest cartographer. John Speed’s fame, which continues to this day, lies with two atlases, The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine (first published 1612), and the Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World (1627). The present volume combines both works, and was published posthumously in 1676 with 8 new maps (on 7 sheets) not previously available: New England (Burden 455), Virginia and Maryland (Burden 456), Carolina (Burden 457), Jamaica and Barbados, East India, Russia and Canaan. ‘The 1676 edition of John Speed's famous atlas marked the high point of its publishing history’ (Burden). The Prospect includes the World map showing California as an Island, as well as the Continents. Chubb XXVII; ESTC R13825; Phillips 488; Shirley 317 (state 4); Skelton, County Atlases 92; Wing S4886.
5 parts in one volume, folio (435 x 300mm.). Engraved additional title with facing frontispiece of the Achievement of Charles II, title printed in red and black, 96 double-page engraved maps, comprising: Theatre with 68 double-page engraved maps of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and 5 letterpress tables of road distances, and Prospect with 28 double-page engraved maps of all parts of the world (including the twin-hemispherical world map and 6 maps relating to the Americas) (some foxing and occasional stains, a few maps with chips and tears (some repaired) or long tears at centrefold (notably map of Norfolk), map of Middlesex with slight marginal loss). Near-contemporary reversed calf (extremities rubbed). Provenance: Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery (1847-1929; armorial bookplate) — thence by family descent until sold: ‘Books and Manuscripts from the Library of Archibald, 5th Earl of Rosebery’, Sotheby’s, 29 October 2009, lot 107.
Brought to you by
Eugenio Donadoni
Senior Specialist, Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts