Excellent map of Merionethshire, including an inset of Harlech, two coats of arms, an numerous decorative elements including sea monsters, sailing ships and a siren. The map graphically depicts the rugged countryside, which was one of the most desolate and poorest counties in Wales at the time. John Speed is best known for this important atlas of Great Britain, which is considered the finest achievement in British map-making. Speed assembled the information for this atlas based on the work of Christopher Saxton and John Norden, updated with new information. He also introduced innovations of his own including the inclusion of town plans, indications of the hundreds, county boundaries and the coats of arms of local Earls and Dukes. The maps were finely engraved by Jodocus Hondius one of the preeminent engravers of the period. English text on verso. This example was published in the Bassett and Chiswell edition of 1676.

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Condition: B

Unobtrusive discoloration at center. Some chips and edge tears in blank margins, professionally stabilized with Japanese tissue.