Cambridgeshire / Isle of Ely by Michael Drayton / William Hole c.1622 (Rare)

A very attractive and rare ‘allegorical’ map of Cambridgeshire (Including the Isle of Ely) which was published in Michael Drayton’s Poly-Olbion (London:1622). Michael Drayton (1563-1631) was an esteemed poet of the late Elizabethan age and close friend of William Shakespeare. In 1612 he published his opus magnum entitled ‘Poly-Olbion’ which contained a series of songs and poems praising the beauty of England & Wales. To accompany this work, a set ‘allegorical’ maps were included; rivers were represented by nymphs, hills by shepherds, forests by huntresses and cities by crowned female figures. Whilst limited cartographically, the maps epitomise both the artistic sentiment and pervading sense of national pride of that time. The maps were engraved by William Hole who is one of the earliest known English engravers. This particular map was published only once in the third and final edition of Poly-Olbion This is an original copperplate engraving. Printed area is approximately  30.8cms by 24.4cms. The map is in very good condition with decent margins; central fold, as issued. Click on image for a better view. Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs. Guaranteed to be over 380 years old.