1675 Speed Map - Northamptonshire Northampton - England

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Lake Erie Maps & Prints Ebay Store ! An Original Antique Map: Not a Reproduction! We Currently have more John Speed Maps listed on the US and UK ebay Sites See Our Ebay Store for more Antique Maps ! Description: It is an original copper engraved antique map from John Speed's Theater of the Empire of Great Britain, published by Basset & Chiswell, London, 1675. It was produced as a miniature atlas primarily intended for use by travelers unlike the larger format version that would have been coveted as a cabinet atlas. It was actually published as two atlases in one, the first half pertaining to the British Isles, particularly county maps, and the second half pertaining to other parts of the world with a separate title page Prospect of the most Famous Parts of the World , London, 1675. Unfortunately, the title page to the Theater of the Empire is missing, but the title to the Prospect is present and a copy will be included for authenticity. These maps were not published in color although many sellers have added color in modern times to enhance, we are offering the map as it was originally published. The map is not matted nor mounted, single detached leaf in original condition as shown. This is an extremely rare map! John Speed was actually a wealthy taylor by trade with an interest in cartography, producing some of the most accurate maps of the period, the first englishman to publish a world atlas. A set of maps had been produced by Petrus Kaerius [Peter van der Keere], brother-in-law to Hondius, who worked in England briefly and created a set of county maps in 1599 based on Saxton's work. Between 1605-10, King James allowed John Speed to use a room of the Customs House to work on the project for the Theater of the Empire and the first edition was printed 1611-12. During the period Speed traveled alot and made corrections to the Kaerius plates and had them translated from Latin into English and added the ditary shields to the larger version. The plates were then engraved in Amsterdam by Kaerius and over the years they changed hands and were reprinted in many editions, since they were very popular at the time. Eventually, Basset & Chiswell bought the plates and published the last edition between 1674-6, from which this map comes. Size: The map image measures approximately 3 1/2 by 5 inches on a 4 1/4 by 6 1/2" page. Condition: The map is in Good or better condition for its age with overall light tonal aging and some darkening along the edges as can be seen in the pic. T is a slight dampstain on the upper right corner. Overall, the map image is very clean with no other defects to mention. It is printed on good paper that is still flexible. T is text in English on the reverse that shows through a little. Overall, a very rare map with a quality antique appearance that will frame up nicely. The pics are accurated and show all, so take a good look. Location: We are located in the USA, but have shipped many maps over the years to the UK. We are currently listing a number of UK County Maps on the UK ebay site due to the obvious nature of their appeal to the UK audience. See our ebay store for our total selections of maps of the world. Payment Details: Paypal or Bidpay is perferred and most practical for International buyers, they both accept a variety of credit cards and are very secure. We also accept Money Orders and Personal Checks drawn in US dollars from buyers with a positive feedback record. Bank to bank transfers are ridiculously expensive in the US and are discouraged unless buyers want to pay the $20 fee. If another payment method is desired let us know in advance and if practical we will try to accomondate. Payment is expected within 10 days. Nonpaying Bidders will be reported to Ebay and negative feedback will be left. Shipping: Shipping to the $5 for Priority Mail in the US and First Class to Canada. Add $10 for International Priority Mail which includes Insurance for elsew in the world. These are acutal shipp... read more

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