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.

Matching set of four maps covering the whole of Scotland. Very well-engraved and filled with details of roads, towns & villages, and topography. Sheets I & II include a table of former names of the principal divisions. Sheet III shows the Orkneys, Shetlands and Hebrides Islands, plus three small insets.

A. Scotland, dated 1841 (12.3 x 15.7").
B. Scotland I, dated 1834 (15.3 x 10.9").
C. Scotland II, dated 1834 (15.8 x 13.3").
D. Scotland III - Orkneys, Shetlands and Hebrides, dated 1834 (12.7 x 14.9").

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Condition: B+

Original outline color with light toning mostly along sheet edges and occasional faint spots. Scotland II has light toning throughout.