The first separate map of Scotland to be found in a book

The first separate map of Scotland to be found in a book.

Title De Origine moribus, et rebus gestis Scotorum.

Author LESLIE, Bishop John.

Publisher In aedibus populi Romani.

Publication place Rome.

Publication date 1578.

Two parts in one volume, 4to (215 by 170mm), double ruled borders throughout, title with woodcut headpiece and vignette (repeated in colophon), woodcut headpieces and initials, folding engraved map of Scotland, 11 full-page engraved genealogies of the kings of Scotland, most incorporating portrait vignettes, the divisional title with the engraved arms of Mary Queen of Scots on the verso, contemporary limp vellum, title in manuscript to spine.

Notes

This work is an important history and description of Scotland written by the Catholic John Leslie, Bishop of Ross (1527-1596). It was composed in Scottish during Leslie's imprisonment in 1568-70, although the Scottish version was not published until 1830.

The second part of the history which covers the period 1436-1562 is the most valuable; it is more detailed than the earlier part of the work, and the final book in particular is of great value as a catholic view of events with which the bishop was personally acquainted.

The descriptions of the Scottish islands and counties are mostly based on Leslie's own observations. The final genealogical tree contains a portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her son James, the future James I of England (1566-1625) at the age of 12.

The map is based upon the map of Great Britain by George Lily of 1548.

Provenance

1. P. Matthei Paseniy, near contemporary ownership inscription at the foot of the title-page.

Bibliography

Adams L541; Censimento 16 CNCE 33941.

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number