Views in South America, from original drawings made in Brazil the River Plate, the Parana, &c

London: Thomas McLean, 1852. Folio. Lithographed title, dedication to Prince Albert with list of plates on verso, 26 tinted lithographed plates, lithographed plan. Expertly bound to style in dark blue morocco backed period cloth covered boards, large central morocco label on the upper cover, flat spine lettered in gilt, glazed yellow endpapers and pastedowns.

Among the rarest lithographed view books concerning South America.

"In 1823 Ousley was transferred to Rio as secretary, and in 1838 was promoted to charge d'affaires. He was sent on a mission to Uruguay and Argentina in 1844 and returned to England in 1850 ... After he had returned to England, via the United States, he wished to publish a collection of drawings and watercolous of Brazil and the Rio de la Plata. The selection was made by Queen Victoria. This rare and valued album contains very pictureque lithographs" (Borba de Moraes). Published in 1852 and issued as tinted lithographs, like the present, for £4.4s, or hand coloured at £6.16s.6d, both issues are very rare. Unlike other lithographed plate books from this period, there was no deluxe issue on card. The list of plates cites the plan, 25 plates, plus one vignette (titled Serra de Estrella), though the vignette is in appearance no different than the other plates. Not in Abbey, attesting to the work's rarity.

Borba de Moraes, p.643; Sabin 57947; Tooley 356; Palau 207325.