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Description
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SPEED, John. The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine... as also A Prospect of the most famous Parts of the World. London: Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell, 1676. 5 parts in one volume, 2o (430 x 310 mm). Engraved additional title and arms of Charles II, title printed in red and black, 4 sectional titles, the Theatre with 68 double-page engraved maps of the Counties of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, 61. The Prospect with 28 double-page engraved maps of various parts of the world. (Some light marginal browning.) Old calf (rebacked, covers detached). Provenance: Don Murray (early signature on title). A tall clean copy of the only edition with a general title-page for both the Theatre and Prospect. "The 1676 edition of John Speed's famous atlas marked the high point of its publishing history" (Burden). The Prospect includes the World map showing California as an Island, Continents and 6 maps of America, 4 of which appear for the first time including: "A Map of New England and New York" (Burden 455); "A Map of Virginia and Maryland" (Burden 456) "A new Description of Carolina" (Burden 457). Chubb XXVII; Wing S4886; Skelton 92.
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