Coloured carte-a-figures map of England and Wales taken from a George Humble edition John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain”. It was struck from a new plate engraved by Abraham Goos and dated 1632, which copied and replaced the earlier worn-out version by Jodocus Hondius. This example, which is an early strike from the new plate, is rarely seen on the market as it appeared only in one edition of the “Theatre” (according to Skelton). In the subsequent edition, which appeared at the time of the Civil War, the plate was re-engraved with the date changed to 1646, the publisher’s name revised to William Humble and the clothes on the characters made less ornate to reflect the public mood at the time. The map, which includes a table listing details to be found in each Shire of England and Wales, is decorated on the sides with eight figures in period dress illustrating men and women from four classes of society. Other decorative features comprise sea monsters, the royal coat of arms and sailing ships. A description of the kingdom appears on the verso in English. Other than professional repairs almost entirely confined to the margins (which are narrow on both sides) the map is a finely coloured strong, dark impression in excellent condition. 38.5 cm x 51 cm