A very attractive, interesting and rare ‘allegorical’ map of the area around Gloucestershire, Herefordfordshire and Worcestershire which appeared in Michael Drayton’s Poly-Olbion (London: 1612-1622). 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 dates from either the 1613 or 1622 edition with the inclusion of a plate number (101). This is an original copperplate engraving with later hand colour. Printed area is approximately 33.1cms by 25cms. The map is in very good condition. The right margin is close, as issued, but still mountable. Click on image for a better view. Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs. Guaranteed to be over 380 years old.
