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 lot of eight maps is focused on Italy. Five of the maps are modern including an index map, three regional maps, and one map of islands in the Mediterranean. The remaining three maps focus on Italy as it was during Roman times. All are beautifully and precisely engraved.

A. Italy IV General Map Including Sicily, Malta Sardinia, Corsica &c., dated 1840 (12.6 x 15.5").
B. Italy I, dated 1832 (14.7 x 9.3").
C. Italy II, dated 1830 (15.4 x 10.0").
D. Italy III, dated 1830 (14.9 x 11.4").
E. Ancient Italy I, dated 1832 (14.5 x 9.1").
F. Ancient Italy II, dated 1830 (15.4 x 9.9").
G. Ancient Italy Part III, and Sicily, dated 1830 (15.1 x 11.2").
H. Balearic Islands. (Las Baleares) [on sheet with] Valetta, the Capital of the Island of Malta [and] Corsica and Sardinia, dated 1831 (14.3 x 12.1").

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Condition: B+

Original outline color with minor toning and light offsetting.