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 very fine steel engraved plan of Madrid shows streets, gardens, buildings, and the fine tree-lined boulevards all radiating out from the Plaza Orientale. Elevations of the city's principal buildings, including the Escorial Palace are printed with fine detailing along the bottom of the map. Drawn by W.B. Clarke, engraved by J. Henshall, and published by Charles Knight & Co.

References: Branch, pp. 90-91.

Condition: A

Contemporary outline color on a slightly toned sheet with a few short edge tears and chips in the margins.