An original antique map of MIDDLESEX and HERTFORDSHIRE by Michael Drayton. The map, engraved for Drayton's literary atlas, Poly-Olbion (1613), is from the 2nd (and final) edition of 1622. The map is unframed (printed area 330x255mm), mounted and hand coloured. Its plate number (i.e. page number) is 245 (top right). The map features numerous water-nymphs, deities and allegorical figures linked to rivers, forests, hills, towns and the rural economy. Most major rivers of the region are named including the Thames, Lea and Colne.  Additional place names include Hampstead, Highgate, Hertford, St Albans, Ware and Enfield Chase. Michael Drayton, an important literary figure in Elizabethan England, is buried in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey. This charming literary map is nearly 400 years old and is in very good condition.