At first glance, this map looks much like the world map of 

 published in 1626 (see SC-TM-1626[1627]-Speed-WorldMap). However, close examination reveals a different imprint and ornate scenes. The four scenes representing water, earth, fire, and air are all new, their origin unidentified. The two polar charts of the heavens are omitted also. The four corner images relating to the heavens remain unaltered as do the portraits of the four circumnavigators, Magellan, Drake, Cavendish, and Oliver van Noort. The three legends in the cartouche on the map are all slightly rewritten.

A notable addition to the map is the tracks of the four portrayed circumnavigators. The image of Australia is also much improved and reflects additions found in Stent’s earlier map of 1657 which is similarly rare, and cites Johannes Blaeu as the source for his material. 

 (c. 1613–1665) was born at Binstead, near Alton in Hampshire. In 1627, he was apprenticed to Elizabeth Lowe, a copperplate printer and widow whose husband, George Lowe, had been the printer of John Smith’s map of ‘New England’. He was made free by the Merchant Taylor’s company in 1637. In 1645, he was left £106 by his father, and he began buying old copperplates from which he could print stock. His shop was just outside London at Newgate from about 1642, until his death from the plague on 29 September 1665. He was England’s first printseller with a large and diverse stock of material. This map of the world appeared in his advertisements for 1662 and 1663.

After Stent’s death in 1665, his estate passed to his widow, Susanna. Shortly afterwards the stock and business passed to 

 (1640–1713). Overton was born in London, the son of Thomas Overton, a tailor in Covent Garden. It is likely he was related to the bookseller, Henry Overton. He set up shop around 1665 in Stent’s premises in Giltspur Street before moving in 1666 after the Great Fire of London.

This is one of only two known examples of this exceptionally rare first issue of 

’s map of the world. At first glance, it is very similar to 

’s map of the world (1626) but contains subtle differences. The four scenes representing the elements – water, earth, fire, and air – are all new, their origin unidentified. The two polar charts of the heavens are omitted also. The four corner images relating to the heavens remain unaltered as do the portraits of the four circumnavigators, Magellan, Drake, Cavendish, and Oliver van Noort. The three legends in the cartouche on the map are all slightly rewritten.  

One of only two known examples of this exceptionally rare first issue of 

’s map of the world. At first glance, very similar to 

’s map of the world, but on closer inspection, with subtle differences.

Double-page engraved copperplate double-hemisphere map of the world, with vignettes of alternative projections.

Stent's Rare Map of the World