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 handsome set includes a map of the region and three steel-engraved plans of major cities. Each plan shows excellent detail of the streets, parks, rivers and fortifications with profiles of the principal buildings at bottom. Inset maps are shown within a decorative parchment border for an interesting artistic touch.

A. The Netherlands de Nederlanden and Belgium la Belgique, dated 1843 (12.2 x 15.7").
B. Amsterdam, dated 1835 (15.0 x 13.0").
C. Antwerp. (Antwerpen.) (Anvers.), dated 1832 (15.6 x 12.1").
D. Brussels (Bruxelles), dated 1837 (15.4 x 13.1").

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Condition: B+

Original color with pleasant light toning and minor soiling confined to the blank margins.