Narrative

9. Clearly, by the 1820s the term ‘useful knowledge’ could be used in various ways to meet the interests of publishers and readers, and to expand the market for such literature. Books for young men and boys provide one example, in terms of the more limited target audience but also the involvement of upmarket and downmarket publishers. Along the same lines, at 3d. per issue Popular Annuls of Useful Knowledge (London: Lacey, 1828) was priced for downmarket readers, much like broadsides, garlands and chapbooks ranging from one penny to sixpence. Of importance, the intent on ‘utility’ noted in the first issue is linked to the provision of knowledge that will help the working classes succeed in professional and personal life.