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 Carlisle to Barwick...] Extends from Carlisle to Barwick.

B. [The Road from Hereford to Leicester...] Extends from Hereford, through Worcester and Coventry, to Leicester.

C. [The Road from Kings Lyn to Harwich...] Extends from King's Lynn to Thetford, and includes a page of text on "A Description of ye smaller Islands in ye British Ocean."

D. [The Road from Tinmouth Com. Northumb. to Carlisle...] Extends from Tinmouth, through Newcastle upon Tyne and Hexham, to Carlisle.

E. [The Road from Ferribridg to Borobridg...] Extends from Ferrybridge, through Rippon to Richmond, and from Ferry bridge to Wakefield.

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

Condition: B+

Light toning with minor soiling and a few short edge tears. The "Road from Ferribridg" has some light damp stains and a short cut at bottom left.