Catalog Archive
Auction 119, Lot 667

"[Lot of 10 - Russia]", SDUK Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge

Subject: Russia

Period: 1834-40 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.5 x 12.5 inches
39.4 x 31.8 cm
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The beginning of the nineteenth century saw a period of rapid market growth and innovation in the map publishing world. Increased literacy and public interest in new frontiers and colonies overwhelmed the market because it was oriented toward the small, affluent market of the previous century. With the intent to fill this void, The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK) was founded in 1828 in London, by Lord Brougham and a group of men dedicated to the education of the aspiring working class and the Utilitarian ideal of 'Knowledge is Power.' The society produced an array of education materials, but the series of maps was one of their most successful ventures. A number of engravers and printers were used to produce the maps, which eventually exceed 200 sheets, and continued to be published after the Society as a whole ceased to function.

Complete set of ten maps detailing European Russia. This is perhaps the most comprehensive set of maps of the region published in the early nineteenth century. These maps were published by Baldwin and Craddock for the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. Included on these maps are a small amount of words translated from the Russian to English to help in deciphering the map. There are also helpful pronunciation tips included on each map. All maps are surrounded in decorative keyboard border typical of SDUK.

I The Northern Provinces of Sweden and Norway with of Russia
II Russia in Europe, showing Archangel to Perm.
III Russia, showing from the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland to Vitebsk.
IV Russia , showing St. Petersburg at the upper left and including Moscow at the bottom.
V Russia in Europe, showing Vilnius to Kiev.
VI Russia in Europe, Including Moscow to the Ukraine.
VII Russia in Europe , showing Kostroma to Astrakhan and much of the river Volga.
VIII Russia in Europe, with Small Index Map. This map delineates the area from Kiev to the Crimean Peninsula, showing the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
IX Russia in Europe and Georgia, describing the area from the Sea of Azov to the Caspian Sea south to Georgia.
X Russia in Europe General Map

References:

Condition: B

All with light toning. Map VII has a red circle drawn around the city of Chatsk. All bound together with the exception of map I.

Estimate: $230 - $300

Sold for: $150

Closed on 5/9/2007

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