"Italia Newly Augmented", Speed, John

This carte-de-figures map is one of the most beautiful maps of Italy ever produced. Along the top are individual engraved views of Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples, Verona and Genoa. At sides are panels depicting the regional costumes of the aristocracy from each of the above pictured cities, plus a couple from Milan and the pope. Four coat-of-arms are also included. The map itself shows the provinces, rivers, mountains, and cities, and is richly embellished with decorative title and distance cartouches, ships and a compass rose. English text on verso describes the history of Italy from classical times and its political divisions. The imprint of George Humble at Pop-head Aley is in the cartouche.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-2a #13.

Condition: C+

A dark impression printed on thick paper with a Strasbourg Lily watermark. There is moderate toning with a few small chips along the edges of the sheet and 8 short, tears also along the edges at top and right, entering between 0.25" to 1" into the image.