Description
Charles Knight was an author and publisher. His publishing career began in the 1820s with The Etonian and, briefly, Knight’s Quarterly Magazine, and continued over the next 40 years. In 1827, he became the superintendent of the publications of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, for which he edited The British Almanack and Companion, begun in 1828, and printed various other Society publications. The Society ceased its publishing activities in 1848. The success its productions had was largely due to Knight’s efforts to make the writing accessible and to promote the works. He resumed publishing periodicals in the 1830s with the popular Penny Magazine and The Penny Cyclopaedia (later revised as The English Cyclopaedia). Knight also published books, including an edition of Shakespeare, illustrated books and other literary works. He retired from publishing in 1864 but continued writing books.
Inscription below image: “Engraved by R. Woodman. Michael Angelo Buonaroti. From a Picture by V. Campi in the possession of the Right Hon. Lord Dover. Under the Superintendance of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. London. Published by Charles Knight. Pall Mall East.”
Condition: A rich impression, generally very good with the usual overall light toning and wear. Some short tears to outer margin edges, easily matted out.
References:
“Charles Knight (publisher).” NationMaster.com. 2003-05. http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Charles-Knight-(publisher) (10 February 2009).
“Society for the Diffusion of Knowledge.” NationMaster.com. 2003-05. http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Society-for-the-Diffusion-of-Useful-Knowledge (10 February 2009).
