Old coloured map of the British Isles from the rare Latin John Sudbury and George Humble edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain”. The map served as a general introduction to the series of regional and county maps in the atlas. Engraved by Jodocus Hondius shortly after the union of Scotland with England and Wales, the map contains views of London and Edinburgh celebrating the union. Also shown are numerous vignette illustrations showing ships, sea monsters and coats of arms as well as ancient coins showing Britannia and "Cunobilin", Shakespeare's Cymbeline - King Coel. A description of the British Isles appears on the verso in Latin. Other than a repair to the bottom right corner in the blank margin, a lovely example of this very sought-after map with full margins in excellent condition. 38.5 cm x 51.5 cm