Coloured map of Cornwall from an early edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain” published by Sudbury and Humble. One of the most decorative and recognisable of all Speed’s county maps, it is based on the work of John Norden rather than Christopher Saxton. The map contains a prospect of the ancient town of Launceston along with ships, sea monsters, Cornish antiquities and the arms of the noble families of the county. A description of the county appears verso in English. Other than a repaired short bottom centrefold split, the map is a beautifully coloured, strong, dark impression on heavy paper in excellent condition. 38 cm x 50.5 cm