John Speed's decorative map of Scotland is based on Mercator's 1595 map. It is divided into historic counties with nice topographical detail and plenty of place names, including Edynburgh, Glasquo, Sterling, Aberdone, and Louet cast Invernes. The Hebrides ("Caled of Pliny Haebudes, of Beda Meuamae") are well depicted, and an inset at top right, The Yles of Orknay, extends coverage northward. A note in Loch Ness reads, "The Lake of Nessa nor ye river Nessa, are never frosne." Sea monsters, a sailing ship, a naval battle, and an ornate compass rose fill the waters. The title is enclosed in a crowned strapwork cartouche at top left. This is the second state, where the portraits of James VI and family have been replaced by "a Scotch Man and Woman" and "a Highland Man and Woman." The imprint of Bassett and Chiswell appears at bottom right, indicating a publication date circa 1676. Engraved by Jodocus Hondius. English text on verso.

References: Moir, p. 168; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-2f.

Condition: B

A nice impression on watermarked paper with chips in the corners and around the centerfold at top and bottom that have been archivally repaired with portions of the border replaced in facsimile. There is light dampstaining mostly along the map's top edge, short archivally repaired cracks in the border at top, and a handful of small stains and rust spots. The map's edges and centerfold have been reinforced with hinge tape on verso.