Catalog Archive
Auction 167, Lot 262

NO RESERVE

"[Lot of 4 - Road Maps]", Owen & Bowen

Subject: England

Period: 1720 (circa)

Publication: Britannia Depicta...

Color: Black & White

Size:
4.5 x 7.1 inches
11.4 x 18 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

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...] From Warminster to Andover, with a page of text describing London.
B. [The Roads from London to Boston...] From Stilton to Spalding, with a page of text describing London.
C. [The Road from London to Carlisle...] From Staffordshire through Cheshire to Preston in Lancashire.
D. [The Road from London to Flamborough...] From Tamesford to Stilton, with a page of text describing London.

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

Condition: B+

Some light toning and short edge tears.

Estimate: $55 - $75

Sold for: $50

Closed on 3/28/2018

Archived