1627 A Newe Mape of Tartary augmented by John Speede
DESCRIPTION
This striking map of Tartary is from Speed’s 1627 atlas, Prospect of the World. From the west the map covers the territory from European Russia in the north and a region to the south of the Caspian Sea in the south. Eastward it extends as far as the Strait of Anian and a portion of Alaska labeled ‘Part of America’ in the north, and what is labeled and the Korean Peninsula in the south. The map in its entirety is highly detailed and annotated, in English.
Three cities and a scene featuring the house built by Dutchman Willem Barentsz and his crew form the top border of the map. The cities include Astrakhan, Samarkand, and Cambalu (now Beijing). The sides feature indigenous peoples, primarily Tartars, from various territories in brightly colored traditional dress. The map features many regions which are named as they were in antiquity, and includes a stunning depiction of the Great Wall of China. Great forests are depicted in many regions, as are myriad mountain ranges. The Caspian Sea is in its place, but called by a different name. A longish annotation describes ‘Nova Zemla’ meaning ‘New Land’, and cites Pliny’s description of it.
The title cartouche states that the map is to be sold in ‘pops head Alley by George Humble’. This area is actually ‘Pope’s Head Alley’ in London, which was lined with a number of printers and shops, thus Speed’s specific designation as to where it would be marketed.
English text on the verso provides a contemporary description of the vast area covered by the map.
CONDITION
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