John Ogilby's 'Britannia' was published between 1675 and 1698. It is a landmark in the mapping of England and Wales. Its unique format constituted the first national road-atlas of any country in Western Europe. It was composed of maps of seventy-three major roads and cross-roads, presented in a continuous strip-form, on a uniform scale of one inch to a mile. Each beautiful map includes wonderful detail of the countryside with each strip containing a large compass rose to indicate changes in direction.

This attractive strip-style map covers 76 miles of roads in Devonshire. It is in the pictorial style pioneered by Ogilby with the road laid out in several ribbon-like panels. Each of the six panels has a decorative compass rose to orient the traveler. The route travels from Exeter through Crediton Kerton, Chimleigh, Barnstable, Ilfarcomb, Bedford, and on to Torington. The map locates three beacons in hilly regions, ostensibly for night travel. The strapwork title cartouche features the royal coat of arms and grapes.

References: Moorland & Bannister, pp. 157-8; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.OGIL-4a #

Condition: B+

An excellent impression on watermarked paper with good margins, a tiny abrasion at far right, and a small rust stain at left.