Speed's hard to find early English decorative map of Africa:   Africæ defcribed, the manners of their Habits, and buildings: newly done into English by I.S. Are to be sold by Tho Baßet in Fleet Street, and by Ric:Chifwell in S^t Pauls Churchyard.

Original copperplate engraved map
Fine Handcolor
395 x 515 mm
Map # D-2
$ 5,000

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The geography for this map of Africa remained unchanged in all editions of Speed's Prospect from 1626 to 1676.  The only differences on the map are changes in the sellers' names.

The two side borders contain "typical" figures of Africans. Top panel contains eight city views.  These are from the top left: MAROCCHIANS, SENAGENSIAN, Marc: in GVINEA, Cab: Iopo Gonsalvi Accolae, soul: CONGENSIS. From the top right: AEGYPTIAN, ABISSINIAN, MOZAMBIQVEAN, K: MADAGASCAR, habi:of cape of goodhope.   English text of Africa on verso.  This map was engraved by the noted Dutch engraver, Abraham Goos, whose imprint is at the bottom left of the map.

Fascinating text on the verso describes the "then current" information on Africa.   It is suggested that, if this map is purchased to be framed, conservation glass or plexi-glass should be used on the verso so that this side can be read also. 

Reference:  Betz Map # 62.3,  Norwich Map # 30, Tooley, p.113-4.

Fine Condition.   The paper is solid with no separations.  The map has good margins (often the Speed map is found cropped close to the outer neatline; this is not the case in this example).  Some chipping of the paper on the top margin and at the bottom right margin corner.  The map itself is clean and very attractive.