1612 - "ANGLESEY Antiently called MONA Described 1610"

An outstanding example of John Speed's decorative map of Anglsea with early hand colouring. Inset plan of Beaumaris with elaborate crests and cartouche and battle ships.

This is the 1st Edition by Sudbury & Humble.

This example is in fine condition with English text on the reverse. There is some minor surface splitting at the bottom of the central fold Good margins all round, perfect for mounting and framing. Central fold as issued and some mild surface paper spitting at the bottom centre. 

Overall size including the margins approximately 40cm x 53cm.

John Speed (1552-1629) is the most famous of all English cartographers primarily as a result of The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine, the first Atlas of the British Isles. The maps from this Atlas are the best known and most sought-after of all county maps. The maps were derived mainly from earlier prototypes fo Christopher Saxon and Robert Norden but with notable improvements include parish "Hundreds" and county boundaries, town plans and embellishments such as the coats of arms of local Earls, Dukes and the Royal Household.

For this publication of this prestigious atlas, Speed turned to the most successful London print-seller of the day, George Humble 'in poles head Alley'. William Camden introduced the leading Flemish engraver, Jodocus Hondius Sr. to John speed in 1607 because first choice engraver William Rogers had dies a few years earlier. Work commenced with the printed proofs being sent back and forth between London and Amsterdam for correction and was finally sent to London for publication.