Drayton's Poetical Image of Warwickshire

This article is about Michael Drayton’s long poem Poly-Olbion and his poetical description of Warwickshire. As part of a well-rooted tradition of topographical texts in England, such as those by Leland, Saxton, Harrison, Camden and Speed, Drayton’s long poem suggests a new approach to the mapping of his country. Along with the geographical aspect, Drayton’s text focuses not only on the topographical information about his country, but also and above all on its artistic beauties and rich history, from the first inhabitants to the early 17th century. Drayton’s personal and emotional approach is particularly evident in the description of Warwickshire, the county he was from, which is thus introduced to the reader as the peaceful and glorious heart of England. John Selden’s maps complete the work and help with the identification of England with a human body and, as the title page shows, with Queen Elizabeth I.