"New South Wales", 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.

An incredibly detailed map of the thriving colony compiled "From the M.S. maps in the Colonial Office, the Surveys of the Austral[ia]n Agricult[ural] Company, and the Routes of Allan Cunningham." The counties are colored in outline, and the eastern part of the map is detailed with topographical features and interesting notations. Large inset plan of "Sydney from the New South Wales Almanack" marks important buildings including bathhouses, the botanical garden, and the Albion Brewery, established in 1827. Engraved by J. & C. Walker. Published by Baldwin & Cradock.

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Condition: A

Contemporary outline color with minor toning that is mostly confined to the margins and two short archivally repaired edge tears at left that just enter the border.