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

On watermarked paper that has been trimmed to inside the border at left, right and bottom. There are archival repairs to a 6" and 4" edge tear at top, an abrasion in the title cartouche, and short centerfold separations at bottom. Several other minor edge tears have been archivally repaired on verso, and small repairs at lower left and right have been made on both recto and verso. There is light toning along the centerfold and a few small stains along the lower left border.