"The instructions which, it is hoped, will be found in the following pages, are addressed to the amateur, and to those who are desirous of cultivating an intimacy with sketching and drawing. Sketching from nature is dwelt upon at some length, from a belief, that where a taste for it can be excited, the master is found to teach all that follows: however, a few of the leading features of linear perspective are simply defined, and their application to sketching rendered familiar ... Directions are given for staining, tinting, and painting, with the adaptation of finished subjects to transparency; the idea of which has been suggested by an exhibition called "the Diorama," which has possessed the rare excellence of having yielded delight and satisfaction to all who have witnessed the effects given to the scenes of which that exhibition has been composed ... "--Prefatory remarks.

Includes "Directions for displaying the views in the portable diorama.": p. [1] at beginning.

Mezzotint plates are printed in shades of blue-green. All, except one, include hand-colouring.

Plates are with imprint: "Published by Samuel Leigh, 18, Strand, London, 1826.". All are unsigned.

Publisher's advertisements on p. [1-2] at end.

MASS copy: Bound in red paper-covered boards. Upper cover with ornamental paper onlay engraved with title and etched with pictorial vignettes. Spine re-backed.