Stunning New and Accurate Map of the WORLD by John Speed 1651

This stunning and comprehensive World Map was produced by John Speed England's pre-eminent Stuart map maker in 1651. Drawing on influences from earlier maps of William Great, Joan Blaeu and Jodocus Hondius, Speed produces one of his own finest works. This is his second edition updating on his previous 1627 map. Explorers such as Francis Drake, Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, and Ferdinand Magellan began to push the boundaries of the known world. This map sought to capture the newly expanding known globe as it was by 1651. It details The Virginian Sea, the Far East including Borneo, Sumatra and the Philippines. Interestingly California is shown as an island! Much of the North American hinterland is yet to be fully discovered. Australia is also yet to be extensively explored although it had been Willem Janszoon who, in 1606, was the first European to 'discover' it not Captain Cook as is often thought to be true. Plot your own course through the known world of the 1650s, a very interesting journey!

I have laboured to digitally clean this masterpiece to remove signs of ageing and the printed text that was on the reverse of the original print. The result is an unrivalled clear image that still maintains the look and feel of the original work.

This classic work creates a centrepiece for any home and would look stunning framed. This print is produced on premium heavyweight 230 gsm paper and uses the finest quality inks that will not fade or smudge.

Features:
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• Medallion portraits of circumnavigators Magellan, Drake Cavendish and Van Noort
• Illustrations of a lunar and solar eclipse
• A detailed world map including hill and mountain ranges
• Allegorical figures of the four elements - Earth, Water, Are and Fire
• Beautifully diagrammed representation of the known constellations - North, South and Zodiac
• This wonderful piece is offset by a decorative border