Speed's Foundation Map of Bermuda

"A Mapp of the Sommer Ilands… / Mappa Aestivarum Insularum…", Speed, John

This handsome map was compiled in 1622 by Richard Norwood. It is the first English printed map published in an atlas to show Bermuda divided into Tribes and Shares. These divisions designated the properties given to the 'Adventurers,' led by Sir George Sommers, who were shipwrecked there in 1609. Speed's map became the standard map of the 17th century and was copied by Blaeu, Jansson, Ogilby and others. The title is in both English and Latin. The map was beautifully engraved by Abraham Goos in Amsterdam for Speed's Prospect and his imprint appears below the scale of miles. The imprint of Bassett and Chiswell is at left. The map is embellished with sailing ships, a compass rose, four cartouches and two coats of arms. English text on verso.

References: Imago Mundi #40, p.140; Palmer (MCC-19) #6; Shirley (BL Atlases) #T-SPE-2f.

Condition: B+

An attractive example with just a few faint spots in the image, light mat burn just outside of the map image, and two tiny wormholes in the lower blank margin along the centerfold.