Rare Old Map of America by John Speed, 1626: California as Island, Early Colonies, Plymouth, Virginia

Step into the world of early 17th-century exploration with "America with those known parts in that unknowne worlde both people and manner of buildings described and inlarged by I.S. Ano 1626," a masterpiece crafted by the renowned English cartographer John Speed. This exquisite map, created in 1626, is a testament to the era's evolving understanding of the New World. It holds the distinction of being the first atlas map to depict California as an island, a geographical misconception that persisted for over a century. Speed's work draws upon the earlier maps of Abraham Goos and Henry Briggs, integrating their insights into a richly detailed and historically significant portrayal of the Americas.

The map is not merely a geographical representation but a visual narrative of early colonial endeavors and mythical geographies. It accurately charts the East Coast of North America, highlighting the Plymouth colony in Massachusetts and the Jamestown colony in Virginia. Yet, it also indulges in the speculative, with the inclusion of the mythical islands of Brasil and Frisland in the North Atlantic. The Straits of Anian and hints of the Northwest Coastline further illustrate the period's exploratory ambitions and the quest for a Northwest Passage.

Aesthetically, Speed's map is a marvel of early modern cartography, adorned with decorative elements that captivate the viewer's imagination. The sides of the map feature vignettes of native costumes from regions such as Greenland, Virginia, Florida, and Peru, offering a glimpse into the diverse cultures encountered by European explorers. The top of the map showcases eight meticulously drawn town plans of major New World cities, providing a window into the urban landscapes of the time. The inset maps of Greenland and Iceland add another layer of detail, enriching the overall composition.

The map's decorative flair extends to its depiction of the seas, populated with intricately drawn sailing ships and fantastical sea monsters. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also reflect the maritime spirit of the age, when the oceans were both a conduit for exploration and a realm of mystery. The inclusion of sea routes and annotations further underscores the map's role as a tool for navigation and discovery, guiding explorers through uncharted waters.

Historically, this map is a significant artifact that encapsulates the ambitions, misconceptions, and achievements of early European exploration in the Americas. The portrayal of California as an island, a notion fueled by the accounts of explorers like Sebastian Vizcaino and Fray Antonio de la Ascensión, highlights the dynamic and often speculative nature of early cartographic knowledge. This map stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the New World and the relentless pursuit of understanding its vast and varied landscapes.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• North America.
• South America.
• Regions:
• Greenland.
• Virginia.
• Florida.
• Mexico.
• New England.
• Peru.
• Brazil.
• Magellanica.
• Mochan.
• California (depicted as an island).

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Smaller inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Inset of Greenland and Iceland.
• Vignettes depicting native costumes from Greenland, Virginia, Florida, Mexico, New England, Peru, Brazil, Mochan, and Magellanica.
• Eight town plans at the top of the map.
• Bodies of water:
• The North Sea.
• The South Sea.
• The Atlantic Ocean.
• The Peruvian Sea.
• The Pacificke Ocean.
• Mountain ranges:
• Depicted but not specifically labeled mountain ranges in North and South America.
• Sea routes:
• Various sailing ships indicating sea routes.
• Other interesting features:
• Sea monsters.
• Decorative cartouches and annotations.
• The depiction of California as an island.
• Mythical islands of Brasil and Frisland.

Historical and design context

• First atlas map to depict California as an island: John Speed's map is notable for being the first atlas map to show California as an island.
• Accurate depiction of the East Coast of North America: The map accurately represents the East Coast of North America.
• Engraver: Abraham Goos, who used his own map of North America (1624) and the 1625 Briggs map for the depiction of California.
• Straits of Anian: The map includes the Straits of Anian and hints at the Northwest Coastline.
• Mythical islands: Brasil and Frisland are depicted in the North Atlantic.
• Colonial depictions: The Plymouth colony in Massachusetts and Jamestown colony in Virginia are shown.
• Decorative elements: The map is adorned with sea monsters and sailing ships.
• Historical significance:
• California as an island: This misconception persisted on maps until the mid-18th century.
• Early European exploration: Highlights early colonial settlements and speculative geography.
• Cartographic history: Reflects the evolving understanding of the New World and the influence of earlier maps and explorers.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.