1627
Maker: John Speed
Antique hand colored map of North and South America by John Speed, 1626. The map is dated 1626 and was published in the 1626-27 edition of Speed's Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World. It is one of the earliest printings because in the lower left corner a note says that the maps can be purchased from G. Humble, who died in 1640. Later editions were sold by Thomas Bassett. This rare and historic map is known as the first atlas map to depict California as an island. The northwest of North America is unknown. The Plymouth colony in Massachusetts and Jamestown colony in Virginia are both shown. The center of the two continents features interesting speculative cartography and some fantastical islands are included. The oceans feature many sea monsters and ships. an inset in the upper left shows Greenland and Iceland. The decorative border features images of cities and peoples in the "new world". Map has been flattened but seems otherwise unrestored. Good overall condition with some minor staining especially at the paper edges, and overall toning of the paper. Measures approx. 15.5 x 20 inches to the outer borders.
Item Number: CSMT055JD