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.

This very finely engraved plan of Venice features excellent detail of the canals, streets, and scores of named buildings. A large inset "Plan of the Environs of Venice, Shewing the Lagunes" is contained within a handsome scroll border. There is a well rendered bird's-eye "View of the Mint, St. Mark's Church, the Palace, &c." and along the bottom are elevations for eleven important buildings. At lower right is a text block that discusses the number of houses, churches, and a "Population of 112,000 souls" along with 149 canals, and 306 bridges throughout the city. Engraved by B.R. Davies from W.R. Clarke's drawing and published by Chapmann & Hall. Printed on two sheets that have been professionally joined.

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Condition: B

There is light offsetting and some scattered abrasions.