The scarce first atlas edition of the first printed map of the Isle of Man

SPEED, John.

The Isle of Man exactly described, and into several Parishes divided, with every Towne, Village, Baye, Creke, and River therein conteyned. The bordringe Coasts wherewith it is circulated in their situations sett, and by the Compase accordingly shewed, with their true distance from every place unto this Island by a severall scale observed. Described by Thomas Durham Ano. 1595.
London: Sudbury & Humble, 1611-12. Coloured. 385 x 510mm.

An important map of the Isle of Man, copied from the first survey of the island, undertaken by Thomas Durham, of whom next to nothing is known, other than his survey was commissioned by Sir Thomas Gerrard, governor of the island 1594-5. At that time Elizabeth I took the island under her protection, fearing that a succession crisis in the Stanley family (the Lords of Mann) would allow it to be used as a base by her opponents.
John Speed had Durham's map engraved by Jodocus Hondius in Amsterdam; although some proof examples exist dated 1605, it was not published until his county atlas appeared in 1612, as this example. It is one of the most decorative maps of the island, with strapwork cartouches for the title, scales and descriptive text, a large compass rose and vignette ship. There are also four figures riding sea monsters, carrying the banners of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.


Stock ID : 20292