Britannia Depicta Or Ogilby Improv'd was the most popular and successful Ogilby derivative atlas, published in response to public demand for a small road atlas that could be easily carried by travelers. The atlas reproduced Ogilby's strip-style road maps and added individual county maps. It was published by Thomas Bowles in a series of editions between 1720 and 1764. The historical notes that accompany each map were compiled by John Owen, a respected lawyer and antiquarian. The maps were engraved by Emanuel Bowen who went on to become one of London's leading engravers and print sellers in the 18th century. The maps are embellished with coats of arms and contain immense detail and topographical information. A compass rose orients each map and useful landmarks include hills, bridges, rivers and streams, windmills, churches, markets, parks and forests, water wells and even gallows.

These copper engraved, Ogilby-style strip road maps include coats-of-arms and descriptive text by John Owen.

A. [The Road from London to Aberistwith...] Extends from Pershore, through Worcester and Leominster to Prestain.

B. [The Road from London to Barwick...] Extends from Darlington, through Durham, to Morpeth.

C. [The Road from London to Bristol...] Extends from Marlborough to Bristol and Huntspil.

D. [The Road from London to Buckingham Continued to Banbury...] Extends from Wendover to Buckingham, Banbury, and Caughton.

E. [The Road from London to St. Davids...] Extends from Abingdon to Monmouth.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.BOW-1a.

Condition: B+

Light toning with minor soiling and a few short edge tears. The map from Buckingham has a chip at bottom left that has been professionally repaired with old paper.