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.

These two maps provide a very detailed view of the London area. The first map shows the city's entire grid from Hyde Park east to the West India Docks and identifies major buildings, parks, roads, railroads and docks. The second, smaller map follows the path of the Thames River from Kingston east to Woolwich with a circle at the center of the map defining London proper.

A. London, dated 1843 (25.3 x 15.3"). Published by Chapman & Hall. Condition: The centerfold has been backed with linen on verso to reinforce and repair a centerfold separation at bottom that extends 6.5" into the image. A few short edge tears at bottom just enter the map image and have been closed on verso with archival tape. (B)

B. The Environs of London, dated 1832 (15.2 x 12.5"). Published by Baldwin & Cradock. Condition: There are a few spots of foxing and soiling mostly confined to the blank margins. (B+)

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See description above.