Lot 846 in our Saturday 6th November auction is a wonderful 17th century book from a somewhat contoversial figure. Working in London between 1660 and 1705, Richard Blome produced several works on subjects including cosmology and geography.  ‘Britannia; or a Geographical Description of the Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, with the Isles of Territories Thereto’ is a comprehensive description of Britian and her territories in the late 17th century, and although the maps have been carefully removed, still makes for a fascinating volume and example of the 17th century bookmaker’s art.

Blome, however, was widely accused of plagiarism by competing mapmakers after the volume was published - some of which was arguably valid. That being said, it seems that even though he recycled much of the text from the work of William Camden, the Elizabethan catrographer and antiquarian, much of the book was the product of Blome’s good relationship with his friend and contemporary, John Speed.

Controversy aside, this book is a beautiful object and is testament to Blome’s skill as an engraver and artist. Decorative and detailed, the book’s leaves are also in remarkable condition considering the three and a half centuries that have passed, making for a welcome reminder of the sheer tactile pleasure of turning a physical page in our virtual age.