Books brought detailed views of geography, property, and cities to wealthy buyers. The maps in Speed’s Atlas are beautifully and carefully hand-colored, and they provided a new visual understanding of the British Isles. For Speed, “the British Empire” meant England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Isle of Man–it did not include the French or American territories that had been claimed by the English crown at that time. The maps show us city views, costumed figures, coats of arms, coins and other historical details.
This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
