Ogilby, John

FIRST EDITION, second issue with the 4 leaf description “Of the City of London”, folio (422 x 278mm.), additional engraved title by Wenceslaus Hollar after Francis Barlow, printed title in red and black, double-page engraved map of England and Wales by Joseph Moxon and 100 double-page engraved road maps, contemporary vellum, lettered in gilt on spine "Ogilby's Roads", a few minor paper flaws or holes (eg. engraved title in margin, p.65 and adjacent maps), binding slightly soiled and very slightly worn

"Sandⁿ Miller Sept: 20. 1735 / O. Payne", inscription on endleaf

Chubb CI

The condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A GOOD COPY OF THE FIRST NATIONAL ROAD-ATLAS OF ANY COUNTRY IN WESTERN EUROPE AND A LANDMARK IN THE MAPPING OF ENGLAND AND WALES. This is the second issue, but still an early state with the maps without plate numbers, and although titled "volume the first", it is all that was ever published.

Ogilby's work was composed of maps of seventy-three major roads and cross-roads, presented in a continuous strip-form. For the first time in England, an atlas was prepared on a uniform scale, at one inch to a mile, based on the statute mile of 1,760 yards to the mile. Ogilby claimed that 26,600 miles of roads were surveyed in the course of preparing the atlas, but only about 7,500 were actually depicted in print.

"In its comprehensiveness, its incorporation of new devices of computation and delineation, and its opulence of paper, design and decoration, it immediately set a new standard for map-making in England... this volume was an attempt at a scientific study not only of the roads but also the terrain and habitations on either side of the roads" (K.S. Eerde, John Ogilby and the Taste of his Times, 1976, p.137).