"South America", SDUK Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge

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 detailed map shows the entire continent, with nations, towns and cities, rivers, and more identified. There is fine topographical detail throughout. The Galapagos appear outside the neatline. According to a note, Patagonia is "Inhabited by wandering Tribes." A table beneath the title shows the estimated populations for the various countries on the continent. Engraved by J. & C. Walker.

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Condition: B+

Original outline color with three short edge tears that just enter the neatline at top, the longest of which has been closed on verso with archival tape. There is toning along the edges of the sheet and remnants of hinge tape on verso.