The Blaeu firm’s first topographical atlas appeared in 1630 in one volume and was gradually expanded. By 1640 it was in three volumes and contained just 4 British Isles maps. His chief rival, the Hondius-Jansson atlas contained 18 maps. Both joined a race to make their fourth volumes a complete atlas of the British Isles. Blaeu was first, publishing his magnificent work in 1645. Of the general maps contained Blaeu was also the first to produce one of England and Wales first appearing in 1634. The map is derived from that of John Speed although hear lacking the figures along the sides as befitted the new style being set by the Dutch mapmakers. It is however beautifully decorated with the coats of arms of Great Britain and Ireland along with an ornate scale and title cartouche. There is known to exist a proof state of this map, so technically this is a second state, with Spanish text as issued in 1659. Koeman (1967-70) Bl. 5 no. 107 p. 89; Shirley (1991) no. 440; Van der Krogt, P. (Atlantes) 5100:2.