‘DORCESTRIAE Comitatus Vulgo Dorsett Ubi olim DUROTRIGES Insederunt’ by Saxton/Kip c.1607 (First Edition)

An interesting and attractive early 17th Century map of Dorset, based on the first survey of England by Christopher Saxton and engraved by William Kip, which published in Camden’s Britannia from (London:1607). As well as being the earliest map of the county at an ‘affordable’ price it is also the first detailed one dedicated solely to the county*. This particular example comes from the first edition of 1607 which has Latin text on the reverse. *’Britannia’, first published in 1586, was one of the most popular and influential books of the period. The work of the Elizabethan antiquarian, William Camden (1551-1623), it was a detailed historical and topographical description of Great Britain. Its patriotic sentiments, in particular, both appealed to and generated the growing sense of nationalism that was coursing through late Tudor / early Stuart society. Between 1607 and 1637, county maps engraved by William Kip and William Hole, and based largely on Saxton’s surveys, were added. These maps have the distinction of being the first set to show each county individually as opposed to several being grouped together on one page. Camden’s Britannia continued to be published well into the 19th century; from 1695 to 1772, county maps by Robert Morden were used, and from 1789 to c.1815, those by the renowned John Cary. Original copperplate engraving with later hand colour. Printed area is approximately 38cms by 27.5cms. The map is in very good condition. The left and right margins were cropped, as issued, and have had new paper borders grafted. Click on image for better view Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs. Guaranteed to be over 400 years old.