The penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, issue 1, March 31, 1832

"The penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge" is an illustrated British magazine published weekly from 1832 to 1845. Created by Charles Knight for working-class readers, it sold for just one penny and featured wood-engravings alongside educational articles. Initially reaching 200,000 copies with nearly one million readers, the magazine aimed to spread knowledge through accessible content and striking illustrations. However, its serious tone and rising production costs eventually challenged its commercial success, forcing price increases that alienated its intended audience.

The penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, issue 1, March 31, 1832, from the public domain. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #76548.