'A significant part of the visual record of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) in the 19th century consists of engraved illustrations published in newspaper and magazines. These engravings give an insight into many aspects of the island in that period: its physical features, people, occupations, dress, customs, monuments, fauna and flora, as well as historical events.

A meticulous search of newspaper archives in Britain, Sri Lanka and several other countries has resulted in the comprehensive collection of illustrations assembled in this book. They come from the pages of such pioneers in illustrated journalism as Britain's Illustrated London News and the Graphic as well as the more obscure or now long-forgotten sources, such as Muniandi, a humorous journal published in Colombo for a brief three years from 1869.

The pictures appear here along with the original captions and texts - some translated into English - which accompanied them. The author's notes giving additional information or bringing the information up to date, enhance the value of the reproduced illustrations and text.' - from the front flap

Includes a list of abbreviations of the sources of the engravings, and a glossary. With a short biography of the author.