A very attractive and decorative early 17th Century map of Ireland which appeared in William Camden’s Britannia* (London: 1607-1637). This fine map was based on the one which appeared in Mercator’s Atlas in 1595 and was engraved by William Hole who is one of the earliest recorded English map engravers. This particuarly example comes from a 1637 edition which was printed using exceptionally good quality paper.
*’Britannia’, first published in 1586, was one of the most popular and influential books of the period. The work of the Elizabethan antiquarian, William Camden (1551-1623), it was a detailed historical and topographical description of Great Britain. Its patriotic sentiments, in particular, both appealed to and generated the growing sense of nationalism that was coursing through late Tudor / early Stuart society. Between 1607 and 1637 county maps, based largely on Saxton’s surveys and engraved by William Kip and William Hole, were added. These maps have the distinction of being the first set to show each county individually as opposed to several being grouped together on one page. Camden’s Britannia continued to be published well into the 19th century; from 1695 to 1772, county maps by Robert Morden were used, and from 1789 to c.1815, those by the renowned John Cary.
- This is an original copperplate engraving with later hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 34cms by 26.8cms.
- The map is in very good condition with decent margins. Click on image for a better view.
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- Guaranteed to be over 370 years old.
