An outstanding copperplate engraving of John Speed's decorative map of "OXFORDSHIRE described with Ye Citie and the Armes of the Colleges with the famous University". Towns and cities are highlighted in red, decorative college arms, and the (supposed) years of their foundation are found on either side of the map. A detailed inset map of the city of Oxford is in the upper right corner with a separate key with 28 listed city landmarks. The arms of the earl of Oxford to the right. Two academic university figures are seen standing with a pair of compass dividers either side of a striking globe, representing the scale of miles. A strapwork border design and the royal coat of arms complete this map wonderfully well. English text on verso. 

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.

Published in 1676 by Thomas Bassett & Richard Chiswell in Fleet Street, London.

Overall size including the margins approx 41.5cm x 53cm.