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 Roads from London to Barnstable...] Extends from Andover to Warminster, with a continuation of "The Description of London" on recto.
B. [The Road from London to St. Neots...] Extends from approximately Newnham Bridge through Ludlow to Montgomery, with a description of the Bedford Level on recto.
C. [The Road from Bristol to Westchester...] Extends from Hereford through Ludlow to Shrewsbury.
D. [The Road from Carlisle to Barwick...] Extends the full route from Carlisle to Barwick.
E. [The Road from Hereford to Leicester...] Extends the full route from Hereford to Leicester.

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

Condition: B+

Very light soiling and toning, with a few minor edge tears.