"Caernarvon Both Shyre and Shire-Towne with the Ancient Citie Bangor Described", Speed, John

The inset of the town of Caernarvon identifies 23 locations. Superb map of Caernarvon including inset plans of Caernarvon and Bangor. The map graphically depicts the rugged countryside and is richly embellished with a sea battle, Neptune riding a sea monster and several elaborate cartouches and the royal coat of arms. John Speed is best known for this important atlas of Great Britain, which is considered the finest achievement in British map-making. Speed assembled the information for this atlas based on the work of Christopher Saxton and John Norden, updated with new information. He also introduced innovations of his own including the inclusion of town plans, indications of the hundreds, county boundaries and the coats of arms of local Earls and Dukes. The maps were finely engraved by Jodocus Hondius one of the preeminent engravers of the period. Includes the imprint of Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell. English text on verso, published circa 1676.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-1j.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a watermarked sheet, fully backed in archival tissue to repair a couple of tiny worm holes in the image and several short tears along the edges of the sheet. The tissue partially obscures the text on verso.