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The Stuart and Mimi Rose Collection /

John Speed

Item 14D

Atlas of Great Britain

1611
First Edition
Hand-Colored Illustrations

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.

An ornately illustrated page from a historic book titled
An open book showing two pages. The left page displays a colorful coat of arms with intricate designs and patterns, surrounded by various smaller shields. The right page contains a decorative title page with elaborate text dedicating the book to King James, featuring ornate typographic elements.
An open antique book displaying a detailed, colored map of Northampton Shire, England. The map includes two smaller town maps in the upper corners, a compass rose, and intricate calligraphy. Decorative elements like coats of arms and ornate borders surround the map on both pages.

What will you discover next?

The Nuremberg Chronicle
A detailed, close-up view of a vintage illustration featuring a radiant sun with a human-like face, smiling and gazing towards a human face etched with expressive lines. The image is colored in warm shades of yellow and brown, with intricate linework depicting the sun's rays and the person's facial features.

Earlier images of great cities?

Go To Item 13E

Jonathan Swift Gulliver's Tranels
A detailed black and white engraving depicts Captain Lemuel Gulliver. He has long, wavy hair and wears a high-collared shirt with a robe draped over one shoulder.

From real geography to imaginary geography?

Go To Item 2B

Return to Rose Collection
A vibrant, symmetrical collage features historical black-and-white photographs of three individuals encircled with colorful floral patterns. The background is filled with intricate designs of butterflies and geometric shapes in shades of teal, coral, and beige.

Return to the Rose Collection

Visit the Folger to see this object on exhibit.

Imprints in Time

Imprints in Time

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.
Fri, Jun 21, 2024 – Sun, Jan 5, 2025
Plan your visit
Rose Exhibition Hall