Speed's Foundation Map of Bermuda

"Mappa Aestivarum Insularum Alias Bermudas Dictarum... / A Mapp of the Sommer Islands Once Called the Bermudas...", 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 George Humble 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: Palmer (MCC-19) #2; Shirley (BL Atlases) #T-SPE-2a #21.

Condition: B+

A sharp impression on a bright sheet with a bunch of grapes watermark. There is minor soiling, a few tiny abrasions in the border at top, a 1" tear at left that has been professionally repaired, and small remnants of hinge tape on verso. The map has been professionally remargined at the sides and at bottom with part of the neatline replaced in facsimile.