Speed's map of Gloucestershire from the rare Latin Edition

SPEED, John.

Glocestershire contrived into thirty thre severall hundreds & those againe into foure principall devisions. The Citie of Glocester & Bristowe discribed with the armes of such noble men as have bene dignified with ye titles of Earles & Dukes thereof.
London: John Sudbury & George Humble, 1616. Coloured. 380 x 510mm, with wide margins.

Engraved by Jodocus Hondius, this is one of the most decorative maps of the county, with inset plans of Bristol and Gloucester, a royal crest, 10 armorials and two stylised battles.
It was engraved by Jodocus Hondius and published in the only Latin edition of John Speed's important atlas, 'The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain'. This attempt to break into the Continental market failed, so few examples were printed, making surviving examples rare. It was only in the 20th century that the British Museum obtained a complete Latin edition.


Stock ID : 20304