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The first English derivative of John Smith’s map of Virginia

Virginia.
London: Michael Sparke, 1636. 170 x 240mm.
Stock #:  18909

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Description

A scarce map of Virginia, orientated with north to the right, loosely based on John Smith's map of the environs of the new English colony at Roanoke. Engraved on a smaller scale by Ralph Hall, it was intended to be included in 'Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas', an English edition of the Hondius miniature atlas, with text translated by Wye Saltonstall. However the plate had not been completed by the time the first edition was published in 1635, so an errata slip was added, claiming the map had been drawn in Virginia and explaining that 'when it comes, every buyer of the Booke shall have it given him gratis'. Being on a smaller scale much of the detail of Smith's map has been dropped and vignettes from Smith's illustrations (as published by de Bry in Frankfurt) have been added. The Royal Arms and scene of Powhatan's council remain in the top left and centre, but the large native with a bow is much reduced. A native charnel house and village have been placed in the right corners and other vignettes, including Europeans firing muskets, galleons, canoes, a sea monster and pigs, around the map. Curiously a leopard appears with a river running over its back, and the engraver has invented 'Hall=poynt', adding his name to the terrain.

Condition:

A pristine example.

References:

BURDEN: 244.

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