Circumjacent the North Pole

Mid-19th century map of the Northern Hemisphere.

This attractive steel-engraved map shows a wonderfully detailed overview of the northern polar regions during the late 1840s. Incomplete coastlines in the Arctic Circle reflect contemporary geographic knowledge and attempts at finding the elusive Northwest Passage. Topography is depicted with fine hachures and a fascinating variety of settlements and geographic features are labeled. Political divisions are outlined with bright hand color, showing Alaska as part of the massive Russian Empire.

Founded in 1827 by Lord Russel and Henry Brougham, the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (S.D.U.K.) was formed to help the working man educate himself. With the concept that ‘Knowledge is Power’ behind it, the organization issued scientific works, an encyclopedia, an atlas, and other educational materials in relatively inexpensive formats. For instance, the atlas was originally published in parts – approximately two maps each month – with prices around a shilling for black and white copies. S.D.U.K. maps were neatly engraved on steel and often updated with the latest available geographic information, allowing the working class to stay up to date on international affairs. As such, they also provide some of the most detailed snapshots from areas across the globe during the mid-19th century.

Though the maps are sometimes found undated, identifying the publisher helps to narrow the timeframe of publication. Charles Knight began issuing S.D.U.K. maps in 1844 and continued to do so until the organization’s closure in 1846. At that point, he purchased the steel plates and continued to publish them independently until 1852. For more information on S.D.U.K. maps, check out my blog post here.