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M-12902: (Image: 15 ¾ x 20’’) ‘’A MAP OF RUSSIA’’  London: John Speed,  c. 1676 from:  "A PROSPECT OF THE MOST FAMOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD" Exceptionally fine engraved map with old hand-color in English style. Engraved by Francis Lamb. Verso text: English. Some chipping & small tears in margin not into map.

This highly decorative map depicts the Russia of Peter the Great, who was just beginning his influential reign of a country that was three times larger than the rest of Europe combined. It includes the Black and Caspian Seas in the south and the Baltic and Barents Seas in the north.  Topographical features shown and most major towns, cities, mountain ranges and waterways are named.

On the left is an inset map of Moscow titled “The famous and imperiall City of Moscow” – a walled city with two rivers running through it.  On the right are five inset views: Russche Narva, Archangel, The Emperours Court, a Hott House (steam bath house) and a Mill House. 

Above the title cartouche is “The Habit of Russians” showing three figures in native costume, one of whom is holding the Imperial Russian coat of arms with emblazoned double-headed eagle.