Speed's map of Cambridgeshire from the rare Latin edition

SPEED, John.

Cambridgshire described with the division of the hundreds, the townes situation with the Armes of the Colleges of that famous Universiti.
London: John Sudbury & George Humble, 1616. Coloured. 380 x 520mm.

A very fine example of one of the most decorative maps of the county, engraved by Jodocus Hondius for John Speed's county atlas, the 'Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain'. Down the sides are the arms of 17 colleges, with seven arms of nobles along the bottom. Around the map is a strapwork title cartouche with the royal arms of James VI & I. a plan of the city with an extensive key, and the figures of four scholars.
This example was published in the only Latin edition of the atlas, which was an unsuccessful attempt to enter the continental market. Because so few were published, this edition is scarce: the British Museum only acquired an example in the 20th century.


Stock ID : 20291