Catalog Archive
Auction 167, Lot 274

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"[Lot of 4 - Road Maps]", Owen & Bowen

Subject: England & Wales

Period: 1720 (circa)

Publication: Britannia Depicta...

Color: Black & White

Size:
4.9 x 7.3 inches
12.4 x 18.5 cm
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Britannia Depicta Or Ogilby Improv'd was the most popular and successful Ogilby derivative atlas, published in response to public demand for a small road atlas that could be easily carried by travelers. The atlas reproduced Ogilby's strip-style road maps and added individual county maps. It was published by Thomas Bowles in a series of editions between 1720 and 1764. The historical notes that accompany each map were compiled by John Owen, a respected lawyer and antiquarian. The maps were engraved by Emanuel Bowen who went on to become one of London's leading engravers and print sellers in the 18th century. The maps are embellished with coats of arms and contain immense detail and topographical information. A compass rose orients each map and useful landmarks include hills, bridges, rivers and streams, windmills, churches, markets, parks and forests, water wells and even gallows.

These copper engraved, Ogilby-style strip road maps include coats-of-arms and descriptive text by John Owen.

A. [The Road from London to Aberistwith...] From Gloucesershire through Worcestershire and Herefordshire to Radnorshire.
B. [The Road from London to Barwick...] Covers Yorkshire from Robin Hoods Well to Newsome.
C. [The Road from London to Barwich...] From Yorkshire through Durham into Northumberland.
D. [The Road from London to St. Davids...] From Abingdon to Monmouth.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.BOW-1a.

Condition: B+

There is light toning, some light stains, and short edge tears, all mostly confined to the sheet's edges.

Estimate: $55 - $75

Sold for: $26

Closed on 3/28/2018

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