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Description

One of the Earliest Obtainable Large Format English World Maps.

Old color example of Richard Blome's world map, embellished with decorative features and a dedication to Charles II.

Beach is prominently mentioned in Australia, a marvelous reference to the mythical lands reported by Marco Polo. California is shown as an island.

Includes a number of other place names in Australia, including the Trial Rocks, Wilms and Jacobs R., Land of Concord 1615, F. Hotman's I, Edels 1619, Land of Lewn 1622, Pieter Nuyts Land 1627, and S. Peter and S Francois.

Blome's map breaks from both the Dutch tradition of Baroque embellishment and the French style of sparse surroundings of the hemispheres, creating a unique combination of decorative embellishment and symbols of the British Empire, making it a visually unique and striking world map. The engraving work is probably attributable to Francis Lamb, although Shirley surmised that Wenceslaus Hollar or Thomas Burnford may also have been the engraver.

Richard Blome published the first folio atlas which was engraved and printed in England. It was published by subscription and all of the maps included dedication to various British nobility. In this instance, the map is dedicated to Charles II, then King of England.

Condition Description
Fold split at lower centerfold, repaired on verso.
Reference
Shirley 455.