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1676 A MAP OF RUSSIA.Nice example of John Speeds map of Russia, from the 1676 edition of SpeedsProspect of The Most Famous Parts of the World. . . ,published by Bassett Chiswell. This fine plan of Russia was based on Blaeus maps published in the middle of the 17th century, but shows Speeds English decorative tendencies. The map, almost as vast in scope as the country it portrays, extends westwards to Poland and Scandinavia, and shows all of the Baltic States, Ukraine, and the Black Sea. Eastwards, the map shows the start of Siberia, including the mouth of the vast Ob River. The Caspian Sea is shown in full. From the Dnieper to the Volga, a strange representation of a Great Wall of Russia is shown in the Lipetsk region, one that Putin has recently vowed to revive. The map includes a number of views showing Arkhangelsk on the north coast, the emperors court, Narva Castle, as well as a Russian mill and a hot house (sauna). Also shown is a fantastic plan of the city of Moscow, including a legend naming places of interest.The 1676 edition of SpeedsProspectwas the first edition in fifty years to include new maps. For this edition, the new publishers (given that Speed was long-dead) added this map of Russia, along with maps of Southeast Asia, New England and New York, Virginia and Maryland, Carolina, Jamaica and Barbados, Bermuda, and Canaan. As a result, these are by far the scarcest of the regional maps from Speeds Atlas.Size approx 53cm x 42cm including margins. Central fold as issued. Condition is generallyfine with later hand colouring. Some toning along central fold. Verso has been taped around the margins for re-enforcement. Will look exceptional once mounted and framed.John Speed (1552-1629)is the most famous of all English cartographers primarily as a result of The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine, the first Atlas of the British Isles. The maps from this Atlas are the best known and most sought-after of all county maps. The maps were derived mainly from earlier prototypes fo Christopher Saxon and Robert Norden but with notable improvements include parish Hundreds and county boundaries, town plans and embellishments such as the coats of arms of local Earls, Dukes and the Royal Household.Antique Paper Company are a long established family business selling original antique prints, maps engravings as well as many other paper antiques such as original vintage Decorative Posters, Ephemera, Stamps Postal History, Manuscripts, Antiquarian Books much more. We are always looking to buy and have up to andpound;500,000 in immediate funds available. We are looking for exceptional single items, better collections, original archives, Atlases, Libraries, accumulations etc and have previously purchased from Major Institutions, Libraries, Collectors, Solicitors many other sources. We are happy to travel almost anywhere in the world for the right opportunities. So please do get in touch if you are considering selling your Antique Paper collectables.
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