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.

A. [Lot of 2] Western Division of Paris. Containing the Quartiers [and] Eastern Division of Paris. Containing the Quartiers , dated 1834 (11.3 x 15.4" each). Precisely engraved pair of steel plate plans of Paris that show the entire city in remarkable detail. Along the bottom are a total of 24 elevation views of important structures of the city. Scores of buildings and all major roads and boulevards are named. This map was issued just four years after the revolution that removed King Charles X and brought to the throne the Duke of Orleans, who ruled as King Louis-Philippe. Unjoined, as issued.

B. The Environs of Paris, dated 1832 (14.9 x 12.0"). Another beautifully engraved steel plate depicting the area centered on Paris and the Seine River. Remarkable detail throughout.

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Condition: B+

Original color with a few small spots of foxing and minor soiling primarily along the edges of the sheet.