A scarce miniature map of the British Isles

HONDIUS, Jodocus II.

Anglia Scotia et Hibernia.
Amsterdam: Willem Blaeu, 1639. 100 x 135mm.

Trimmed close to printed border on three sides, small spot in sea area.

A map of the British Isles after Mercator, engraved by Hondius for his new edition of the Bertius 'Tabularum geographicarum contractarum' of 1616, which King describes as 'the finest set of miniature maps ever printed'. This example was issued in a Dutch pocket edition of 'Camden's Britannia'.
Hondius (c.1594-1629) was the son of the Jodocus Hondius who engraved the John Speed county maps. He left the family business to set up on his own c.1621; after his early death many of his copper plates were sold to the rival Blaeu firm.

SHIRLEY: British Isles 490; KING: Antique Miniature Maps p.96, from 'the finest set of miniature maps ever printed'.
Stock ID : 22090