The First Printed Map to Draw Upon the Legendary Herrman Map of the Chesapeake Bay - Previously Owned by Coolie Verner

"A Map of Virginia and Maryland", Speed/Lamb

The English text verso gives an up-to-date description of the colonies, adding to the appeal of this sought-after and decorative map engraved by Francis Lamb. Oriented with north to the right, the map shows both the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays and Part of New Iarsy. Following John Smith's general outline, Lamb draws upon Augustine Herrman's landmark map for improved geography and English nomenclature, as well as its depiction of the Delaware Bay and River. The boundary between Virginia and Maryland on the eastern shore, settled in 1688, is depicted with the Herrman-like usage of a double line of trees. The map is beautifully decorated with the Royal Arms of England and a large elegant title cartouche. First state with the imprint of Bassett and Chiswell.

This example was previously owned by Professor Coolie Verner as evidenced by his owner's label on verso. Verner was a noted scholar on maps of Virginia and wrote the comprehensive "Smith's Virginia and its Derivatives" among many other works.

References: Burden #456; Goss (NA) #40; Tooley (Amer) p.170, Derivative 9, state 1; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-2f #23.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with good margins. There are two short edge tears at top, including one that just enters the border, that have been closed on verso with old paper. Two tiny wormholes adjacent to the centerfold are only visible when held to light, and two small masking tape hinges on verso of top margin have left stains. An old owner's label is attached on verso in margin.