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.

An attractive pair of maps issued approximately four years apart. Each is delineated by county with very good political and topographical detail. The larger folding map containing tables of information including population, size and most interestingly the locations of the Round Towers of antiquity. Published by J & C Walker.

A. Ireland, dated 1838 (18.9 x 23.5"). Condition: Issued folding with minor soiling and a few extraneous creases adjacent to the horizontal fold at left. (B+)
B. Ireland, dated 1842 (12.4 x 15.5"). Condition: A bright example with faint toning along sheet edges. (A)

References:

Condition:

Original outline color. See description above for additional details.