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.

Complete set of ten maps detailing European Russia. This is perhaps the most comprehensive set of maps of the region published in the early nineteenth century. The first map in the set also includes Sweden and Norway and Map X is a general index map. The detail on these maps is remarkable. Set includes:

A. The Northern Provinces of Sweden and Norway with Part I, of Russia, dated 1834 (15.6 x 12.3").
B. Russia in Europe Part X. General Map, dated 1840 (12.5 x 15.4").
C. Russia in Europe Part II, dated 1835 (15.6 x 12.5").
D. Russia Part III, dated 1834 (15.4 x 12.3").
E. Russia in Europe Part IV, dated 1834 (16.1 x 12.3").
F. Russia in Europe Part V, dated 1835 (12.8 x 15.3").
G. Russia in Europe Part VI, dated 1835 (12.5 x 15.1").
H. Russia in Europe Part VII, dated 1835 (16.0 x 11.9").
I. Russia in Europe Part VIII with Small Index Map, dated 1835 (15.8 x 12.6").
J. Russia in Europe Part IX and Georgia, dated 1835 (15.3 x 12.8").

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Condition: B

The maps range from good to very good with original outline color, light toning, and occasional scattered foxing.