One of the Most Desired Maps of Ireland

"The Kingdome of Irland Devided into Severall Provinces, and the Againe Devided into Counties. Newly Described", Speed, John

This handsome map of Ireland exemplifies decorative map-making. Engraved by Jodocus Hondius, the map is filled with artistic embellishments, including the Royal coat of arms, sea monsters, sailing ships, a compass rose, and a strapwork title cartouche flanked by putti and topped with a Celtic harp. At left are vignettes of local people, including the Gentleman and Gentlewoman of Ireland, the Civill Irish man and woman, and the Wilde Irish man and woman. The map is based on Hondius' map of Ireland and is filled with details of cities, political boundaries, and the topography of the land. This map was reissued a number of times in Speed's The Theatre of the Empire. This is an early impression of the plate, with the waves of Hondius' masterfully engraved sea still sharp; on later editions, the pattern is faded and barely visible. Sold by John Sudbury and George Humble. English text on verso.

References: cf. Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-1k #3.

Condition: B+

A crisp early impression on a sheet with a coat of arms watermark. There are centerfold separations at top and bottom, with an associated tear at bottom that extends 6" into map image, all of which has been repaired on verso with archival materials. Light toning is confined to sheet's blank margins.