The original Sketches, from which the Engravings in these volumes have been published, were made on the spot in the years 1822, 1823, and 1824. Artists of eminence were engaged in preparing the Drawings, and Engravers of well-known skill have been employed in completing the work. The descriptions of the Plates on Indian subjects has been taken from the Journal of Bishop Heber.

The Views of the Buildings exhibit the remains of Mahomedan Mosques, Tombs and Palaces, in their various and peculiar styles of architecture. The Cave Temples of the Hindous form a considerable part of the work. The scenes in China and the Red Sea have been selected from the Drawings for the publication.