December 2023 Auction Ends Thursday, December 14th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2023
Important map from the golden age of cartography, John Speed's map of the Americas published 1627, the first atlas map to portray California as an island, an error that wouldn't be corrected for almost 100 years. Published by George Humble, London in 1627 and engraved by Dutch engraver Abraham Goos. Hand-colored map still features the mythical islands of Brasil and Frisland in the North Atlantic, and depicts the colonies of Plymouth and Jamestown (''James Citti''). Boston is named, identifying this as the second printing, but Long Island is not, which was later added. Vignettes surround the map, showcasing important American cities at top; Native American tribes are pictured along sides, with North American tribes on the left and South American tribes on the right. Colorful ships and sea creatures populate the map. Image area measures approximately 20.25'' x 15.5'', framed to a size of 28.25'' x 23.5''. Discreet vertical crease. Not examined out of frame, but appears near fine.
John Speed's Landmark Map of the Americas from 1627 -- The First Atlas Map to Depict California as an Island
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