J. Speed Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine 1623-32 (1612)
John Speed's maps of the English and Welsh counties are amongst the most decorative of early, British cartographic work, and are eagerly sought after today. They were first published in 1612 in The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine, designed as a companion volume to Speed's History of Great Britaine. The maps were based on the earlier surveys of Saxton, Norden and a few others, with engraving contracted to Jodocus Hondius whose signature appears on 33 of the maps. Speed's greatest innovation was the inclusion of inset plans of major towns and cities. Although some were copied from earlier work, for many towns this was first plan ever published. Speed's county atlas was re-issued a number of times for a period of around 160 years, with new publishers making various small changes and updates to the maps over time. This example bears the imprint of G. Humble, dating it to between 1623 and 1632. A few repaired marginal tears, not affecting the printed area. An attractively coloured specimen.
R. Blome England Exactly Described 1715 (1681)
Blome's smaller series of county maps have a puzzling history. They seem to have been initiated before his larger maps for Britannia, but were not published until 1681 when they appeared under the title Speed's Maps Epitomiz'd. Blome re-issued them twice before his death in 1705. The plates were subsequently acquired by Thomas Taylor who brought out a new edition in 1715 titled England Exactly Described. There were further editions in 1715 (by Taylor), and in c1731 (by Thomas Bakewell). These later editions had roads added to the maps. This example of the Essex map is from the 1715 edition of the work. Original hand colour to the borders with some additional modern colouring to other features. Supplied ready mounted.
E. Bowen Large English Atlas c1764-67 (1749)
The idea for a new county atlas, with a large format bigger than any predecessor, was initiated in 1749 by John Hinton. For a variety of reasons, however, progress was slow. Maps were offered for individual sale as the printing plates were completed, but the series was not finished until 1760 when the atlas was finally published. All but a few of the maps were drawn and engraved by Emanuel Bowen and Thomas Kitchin. The atlas proved to be a commercial success, and a number of later editions were issued up to 1787. The Essex map, engraved by Bowen, was one of the first published 1749. The publishers imprint on this example (John Bowles, Carington Bowles and Robert Sayer) dates it to between c 1764 and c1787. Light overall toning. The margins are narrow, but sufficient for mounting and framing.
J. Ellis Ellis's English Atlas 1766 (1765)
Joseph Ellis's English Atlas was an entry into the market for small county atlases by its publishers Robert Sayer and Carington Bowles. The county maps were closely based upon those drawn by Thomas Kitchin for the 1763 topographical work England Illustrated, the major difference being the attractive vignettes which replaced Kitchin's rococco cartouches. The atlas was first published in 1765, and soon became a commercial success, running to many later editions. It was promoted as a travelling atlas, and made available in various formats. These included a version with the maps printed back to back on each page, as with this example from a 1766 edition which has a map of Durham on the reverse. Short tear to bottom margin not affecting printed area.
J. Cary New and Correct English Atlas 1809 (1787)
The last decades of the 18th century saw less emphasis being placed on the traditions of decorative mapmaking in favour of a plainer style and design. Foremost amongst this new wave of "modern" cartographers and engravers was John Cary. The New and Correct English Atlas was Cary's first major production as a publisher in his own account. The maps were not only clearly and elegantly drawn and engraved, but also set new standards in accuracy in taking advantage of all the new large-scale county surveys of the second half of the 18th century. The atlas was first published in 1787, with a re-issue in 1793. By 1808 the plates were well worn, and the engraving of a new set was begun. The next dated edition of 1809, from which this example comes, utilised these new plates. Original outline colour.
John Aikin (or Aiken) wrote this topographical work for children in order "to make my young countrymen better acquainted than they are usually found to be with their native land". The first edition of 1788 did not include county maps, but these were added for the second edition of 1790, from which this example comes. The work was published by Joseph Johnson, but the maps are unsigned. There were four later editions of the book with the maps, and one without. The Essex map is fairly simple, befitting the needs of its target audience, and the text may be available at no extra charge.
B. Capper A Topographical Dictionary of the United Kingdom 1824 (1808)
Benjamin Pitts Capper was the author of this topographical directory, first published by R. Phillips in 1808. The maps were engraved, and possibly drawn by H. Cooper. Later editions of the work carry the imprint of G.and W.B. Whittaker who re-published the book from 1825-34. This example has the imprint of the Whittakers and is dated 1824.
J. Wallis Ellis's New and Correct Atlas of England and Wales 1819 or 1822 (1813)
This map was drawn and engraved by James Wallis and first appeared in Wallis's English Atlas in 1813. It subsequently appeared in Ellis's New and Correct Atlas of England and Wales, and then in 1842 was copied by lithographic transfer for Wyld's Atlas of English Counties. This example has no imprint and dates from an edition of Ellis's atlas in 1819 or 1822.Original full wash colour.
Pigot and Co. specialised in the publication of local and national business directories which included county maps. These same maps were also issued in atlas and gazetteer format. Pigot's British Atlas was first published in 1829, and ran to several later editions, undergoing a name change to Slater's New British Atlas from about 1846 (Isaac Slater having joined the firm as a partner in 1839). Railways were added to the maps as the network expanded, and railway evidence suggests a date of c1838-42 for this example.
A. Fullarton The Parliamentary Gazetteer of England and Wales 1840-49 (1834)
These maps were first published by Fullarton and Co. in 1834 in James Bell's New and Comprehensive Gazetteer of England and Wales which was re-issued three times in the 1830's. They were subsequently re-published (again by Fullarton) in 1840 in The Parliamentary Gazetteer of England and Wales, with several further re-issues up to 1849. The maps were engraved on steel and sometimes bear the name of the engraver and sometimes not. This example is from the Parliamentary Gazetteer and bears the signature of Gray & Son as engravers.
T. Murray An Atlas of the English Counties 1830
The title page of Murray's county atlas states that the maps were "Projected on the basis of the Trigonometrical Survey by order of the hon.ble The Board of Ordnance, under the superindendance of T.L. Murray". This might seem to imply the project had at least the official blessing, if not the active involvement of the Ordnance Survey, but is more likely to be a marketing puff. D. Hodson has suggested that the maps were copied from those of William Ebden published from 1825-8, both sets also being engraved by the same firm of Hoare & Reeves. Murray's Atlas was first published in 1830, with second and third editions in 1831 and 1832, the latter with the adddition of electoral data. by 1838 the plates had been acquired by W. Robson & Co. who published and sold the maps individually, and also used them in their commercial directories. This example is from the first edition of 1830. Original colour. One short repaired, marginal tear not affecting the image.
Thomas Moule's antiquarian leanings are evident in this series of highly decorative county maps - a stylistic throwback in an age when cartographic work had become much plainer and more utilitarian. The maps were engraved by W. Smollinger, J. Bingley and J. Dower, and first appeared in Moule's English Counties Delineated, a partwork with text issued from 1830-32. They were subsequently made available as a complete work in 1837 under the same title, and were later re-issued in Barclay's Universal English Dictionary between 1842 and 1852. This latter work ran to several editions and the maps were often updated between editions to show the latest growth of the railway network. This example in modern colour is from Barclay's Dictionary, and is supplied mounted and ready for framing.
The Small English Atlas was initially published by Thomas Kitchin and Thomas Jefferys as a weekly partwork, beginning in November 1748. Sale as a complete atlas followed the final and 13th part of the series. The individual maps can generally be found in two or three states, with plate numbers being first added to the maps during the time the 1751 edition was on sale. By the time of the 1775 edition the printing plates had been acquired by Robert Sayer, John Bennet, and John and Carington Bowles, and further editions of the work were sold by them and their successors until around 1825. Despite this, the maps are not commonplace on today's market. The Essex map was first issued in December 1748. This exampleof the Essex map is the map's first state, without a plate number dating it to the editions of 1749 or 1751.
This work was published in 1835 as a companion volume to Lewis's Topographic Dictionary. It contains county and borough maps, drawn by R. Creighton and engaved by J.& C. Walker, and was designed to show the electoral and boundary changes effected by the 1832 Reform Act. There were 2 issues of the work in 1835 and 1840, this example of the county map being from the 1835 first edition. Original outline colour.
R. Morden Camden's Britannia 1695-1722 (1695)
Gibson's translation of Camden's Britannia was first published in 1695, and ran to 4 editions, the last in 1722. This is a good copy in skilful modern colour, and is from the 1722 (second) edition of the work. A small area of discoloration to the lower, centre margin, well awy from the printed area and which would be hidden by a mount.
This detailed and well engraved map was one of a set first published around 1812-14 by Robert Rowe, who was probably also their draftsman and engraver. The maps were initially sold singly in folding format until their collective issue in 1816 as The English Atlas. The plates were later acquired by Henry Teesdale, who amended titles and imprints and re-issued the work as the New British Atlas in 1829, with several re-issues up to 1842. The plates were later acquired and used by H.G. Collins and then by G. Philip and Son, who both used them as the base for lithographic transfers for a variety of works up to c1860. This example is from the 1830 second edition of Teesdale's atlas. Original wash colour. A short, repaired, marginal tear, not affecting the printed image.
C. Smith New English Atlas 1828 or 1833 (1822)
In 1822 Charles Smith issued a county atlas with maps based on his larger county maps which had been in circulation for over 20 years. The new maps were smaller in scale, but the atlas bore the same title as that in which his larger maps appeared. They are clearly drawn and engraved, but although there were several editions of the atlas, they are today amongst the rarer of the 18th century county maps. This example is from the edition of 1828 or 1833, in which the maps have no date in the imprint, but before railways were added for the edition of 1844. Original outline colour.
The Blaeu family were one of the leading Dutch map producers of the 17th century. Their major work was a multi volume world atlas initiated by Willem Blaeu and expanded by his son Joan. Their maps were beautifully designed and engraved, and are often found with original colour, making them most desirable to collectors. 1645 saw the first publication of volume 4 of the atlas, containing maps of England and Wales. There were several re-issues between then and 1672 when most of Blaeu's plates were lost in a fire which engulfed his Amsterdam premises. Spanish text on the verso narrows dating of this example to the editions of 1659 or 1662. The maps is in original colour. There are a few nicks to the extremities of the wide borders, but well away from the printed area.
R. Morden Fifty Six New and Accurate Maps of Great Britain, Ireland and Wales/ Magna Britannia et Hibernia 1708-1739 (1701)
Morden's set of smaller maps may originally have been drawn and engraved for Camden's Britannia, but rejected as too small. They were first published in 1701 in The New Description and State of England, which was re-issued in 1704. In 1708 the maps appeared under a new title - Fifty Six New and Accurate Maps of Great Britain, Ireland and Wales. For this work they were revised by Herman Moll, who added compass indicators and asterisks to denote parliamentary boroughs. The next issue of the maps was under the title Magna Britannia et Hibernia, originally published as a 92 part topographical work between 1714 and 1731, but gradually also made available in 6 finished, bound volumes. The Essex map was first issued in this work in February 1717. A final edition of the work was published in 1739 under the amended title Magna Britannia Antiqua et Nova. This example of the Essex map has a compass indicator, which dates it to an edition of 1708 or later.
Jodocus Hondius the younger first published his Atlas Minor in 1607 as a reduced scale version of Mercator's Atlas, the plates of which he had purchased and continued to issue. There were several later editions of the Atlas Minor by various publishers and with plates re-engraved. Between 1628 and 1651 Jan Jansson first published editions in Latin, French, German and Dutch. For the German edition of 1648 he added 8 new maps of English counties, including this map of Essex engraved by Peter van den Keere. There was a second issue in 1651. The plates were later acquired and re-worked by Peter van der Aa, who issued his new versions of the maps in his Atlas Soulage in 1712. In 1729 van de Aa re-issued the map, now with wide, engraved frame, in La Galerie Agreable du Monde. This example, is from La Galerie Agreable . All issues of the map are uncommon, particularly this state with frame border.
Chorographia Britanniae was one of the most popular 18th century atlases, offering county maps showing main roads, a handy pocket-size format and useful extra information provided in the notes. A number of maps were not oriented with north at the top, including that of Essex where west is at the top.Maps from fhe first edition published in 1742 (but with maps dated 1741) initially had sparse topographical information, but within a few months a second edition was issued in which the maps were re-engraved to include many more towns and villages. This example is from this second edition. Several later re-issues followed and the work continued to be advertised until at least 1759.
In c1695 John Seller published a county atlas titled Anglia Contracta. The plates were much later acquired by Francis Grose, revised, and used in a supplement to his partwork on British antiquities. The supplement with maps was first published in 1787, and ran to several later editions. Descriptive text below and to verso.
J. Luffman A New Pocket Atlas and Geography of England and Wales 1806 (1803)
Luffman's atlas was designed as a geographical aid to children. It was first issued in 1803, with a second edition in 1806 which is distinguished, as with this example, by the positioning of the plate number immediately above the circular map. It is uncommon. Original colour. Small nick to top margin not affecting the printed area.
J. Blaeu Atlas Mayor 1659 or 1662 (1645)
The Blaeu family were one of the leading Dutch map producers of the 17th century. Their major work was a multi volume world atlas initiated by Willem Blaeu and expanded by his son Joan. Their maps were beautifully designed and engraved, and are often found with original colour, making them most desirable to collectors. 1645 saw the first publication of volume 4 of the atlas, containing maps of England and Wales. There were several re-issues between then and 1672 when most of Blaeu's plates were lost in a fire which engulfed his Amsterdam premises. Spanish text on the verso narrows dating of this example to the editions of 1659 or 1662. The maps is in original colour. There are a few nicks to the extremities of the wide borders, but well away from the printed area.
T. Yeoman Plan to Accompany an Application for a Bill to Parliament Proposing Waterway Improvements on the River Chelmer 1765
This folding map is entitled "A Plan of the River Chelmer from Chemsford to Maldon…". It was surveyed and drawn by Thomas Yeoman and shows proposed improvements to facilate navigation. Yeoman was involved as engineer in a number of similar projects during the "canal age" of the 1760's - 80's. The plan is believed to have accompanied the application for a bill to Parliament proposing the improvements. Some minor repairs to marginal tears abutting the border, and where the folds meet. A rare item for the Essex collector.
Langley and Belch were in partnership from 1807 to 1820, and issued their county atlas in 1818. The maps are attractive, with topograhical vignettes (in this case Colchester Castle), and usually found in original full wash colour.
R. Whitworth Plan of the Intended Navigable Canal from Moor Fields into the River Lee at Waltham Abby c1773
This map was commissioned by the City of London, and surveyed by Robert Whitworth. It shows the proposed course of the new canal, the old River Lea, the so-called "New River", and something of the surrounding countryside.
First published 1769 in Kitchin's Pocket Atlas, which was based on the novel concept of drawing all the county maps to a common scale. Whilst this provided a better illustation of counties' relative sizes, it meant that the overall sizes of the maps varied considerably. Smaller maps shared pages where this was practical within an alphabetical county arrangement, but Suffolk had a page to its self. The atlas was not commercially successful and Kitchin issued no further editions, although the plates were later acquired by Carington Bowles who re-issued the work as Bowles's Pocket Atlas around 1778. This example is from the latter work. Today maps from either atlas are quite scarce.
Laurie's Travellers Companion was first published as a road atlas in 1806 by Laurie and Whittle. It included regional maps by Nathaniel Coltman featuring the main road network as a series of straight lines linking towns en-route.There were a number of later editions, this example being from that of 1815.
J. Lodge Untitled Atlas of the English Counties c1795
This was one of a set of county maps engraved by John Lodge and issued between 1787 and 1790 in The Political Magazine, and Parliamentary, Naval, Military and Literary Journal, published initially by John Murray, and later by R. Butters. The maps were subsequently collected together and re-issued as an atlas (without title page) around 1795. For this atlas edition the imprint with the publication date and engraver's and publisher's signatures was removed from the maps. This example is from the atlas edition. The maps are well engraved in the plainer style then coming into vogue. They are uncommon.
For many years the original author of this map was unknown and it was referred to as being by the "anonymous mapmaker". Today it is known to be by the herald and topographer William Smith, and to be one of a set of 12 maps drawn by him for an aborted atlas project around 1602-3. By 1650 the plates had been acquired by Peter Stent who added his imprint and continued to sell them singly. They next appear under the ownership of John Overton from c1665, and subsequently his son Henry from 1707. The Overtons again sold them singly but also used them in their composite atlases made up of maps from various sources and mapmakers. This example bears the imprint of Henry Overton and is dated 1713. In this state the map has the addition of roads. A rare item. Mounted.
Thomas Dix initiated this atlas project some time around 1816, but after his death it was carried on to completion by the publisher William Darton. The Atlas was issued in 1822, though individual maps from the first edition bear various dates between 1816 and 1821. This example is from the later edition of the atlas, published in c1835 for which imprint dates were removed from the maps, titles were changed and electoral information was added. As here, the maps are usually found in attractive and original full wash colour, and all editions are relatively scarce.
Antonio Zatta was a Venetian publisher and his world atlas, the Atlante Novissimo (New Atlas) was his greatest claim to fame. It was issued in 4 volumes between the years 1779 and 1785, each volume bearing a different date. The work contained maps of just 4 English counties - Surry, Kent, Essex and Middlesex - which all appeared in Volume I, issued in 1779. They were drawn by G. Petteri and engraved by G. Zuliani, and are generally found, as here, with sparse original colour. Uncommon.