1843 SDUK: Map of London

Fine, original, steel-engraved, two-sheet (joined), plan of London, drawn and engraved from authentic documents and personal observation by B. R. Davies, under the superintendence of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK), published as part of the Society's Atlas in 1844, in London, by Chapman and Hall. The SDUK began its map publishing project under the leadership of Captain Francis Beaufort R.N. in 1829, and published the maps in parts, haltingly, over the next 15 years, completing the series in 1844, finally permitting the publication of a whole atlas. Many of the maps were actually drawn by Beaufort, who at the time was the Hydrographer to the Royal Navy, and all were closely supervised by him. J. & C. Walker worked closely with Beaufort in engraving the maps. The idea for the town plans, of which the SDUK published many dozens, was that of W. B. Clarke, an architect, who became an enthusiastic advocate for the plans, and who executed most of them himself, often on the basis of personal on-site observations. The plans are highly decorative, and often have accompanying vignettes, or sketches of the main buildings. Finely engraved and delicately colored, the plans set a standard of excellence for commercial map-makers in England for decades to come. This is the second of two maps of London produced by the SDUK. Dimensions 16 1/4" x 26" overall. Browning around edges, some stains, light foxing, edge wear, minor surface soiling, discoloration on the centerfold and several small tears in the same area. High bidder pays 8.00 shipping and handling. ****************************************************************************************************