Beautifully coloured map of Scotland from the first edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain” published by John Sudbury and George Humble in 1611. Surely the most decorative map of Scotland, it is the first state of the map showing portraits of James I, Queen Anna and their sons. This version of the map appeared in the atlas until 1652, at which time the four royal portraits were replaced with pictures of commoners to reflect the prevailing sentiment after the English Civil War. A description of Scotland appears on the verso in English. Other than some staining to the top blank margin and a repair to the bottom centrefold that just enters the border, the map is a strong dark impression with full margins in excellent condition. 38 cm x 51.5 cm