Coloured map of Cornwall from the Latin Edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain” published by John Sudbury and George Humble in 1616. 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 Latin. Other than toning to the margins from a previous framing, the map is a beautifully coloured, strong, dark impression on heavy paper. A lovely example of an early Speed Cornwall, in excellent condition. 38 cm x 50.5 cm