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.

A crisply engraved plan of this historical city with the walled Fort William featured prominently along the Hooghly River. It features amazing detail of the torturous streets and hundreds of buildings within the city. A legend names and locates 27 important buildings. Three large and artistically rendered vignettes show the Government House, Esplanade Row, and the Writer's Buildings. Published by Chapman and Hall.

References:

Condition: B+

There is light toning along the sheet edges. Trimmed to the neatline at left, as issued.