A very attractive and rare ‘allegorical’ map of the area around Somerset and Wiltshire (including Bristol, Bath and Salisbury) which was published in Michael Drayton’s Poly-Olbion (London:1622). An interesting feature on the map is the depiction of Stonehenge.
Michael Drayton(1563-1631) was an esteemed poet of the late Elizabethan age and close friend of William Shakespeare. In 1612 he published his opus magnum entitled ‘Poly-Olbion’ which contained a series of songs and poems praising the beauty of England & Wales. To accompany this work, a set ‘allegorical’ maps were included; rivers were represented by nymphs, hills by shepherds, forests by huntresses and cities by crowned female figures. Whilst limited cartographically, the maps epitomise both the artistic sentiment and pervading sense of national pride of that time. The maps were engraved by William Hole who is one of the earliest known English engravers.
- This is an original copperplate engraving.
- Printed area is approximately 33.5cms by 25.2cms.
- The map is in very good condition with adequate margins; central fold, as issued. A split near the lower fold has been professionally repaired. Click on image for a better view.
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- Guaranteed to be over 380 years old.
