This bound volume of 'picturesque' scenes was brought together by engraver Letitia Byrne and publisher Thomas Palser. This type of publication was relatively popular in the early 19th century, bringing together different scenes, all deemed to fulfil the criteria of this new type classification of landscape called 'picturesque' from around the world.

This compliation of pictureque scenes includes for each picture some background, generally a history of the site so as to help the reader better aprpeciate the scene. This type of publication was designed to be read together, perhaps as part of an education, perhaps as educational recreation. The date suggests this belonged to either the Herschels when John FW Herschel was still at school, or perhaps more likely, to the Stewart family, the family of Margaret Brodie Stewart whom John FW later married.

The accompanying text to this engraving reads: 'the principal objects included in the view are the river Tiber, with remains of an antique temple on its banks. The villa Madama in the middle ground, and Mont Soracte in the distance. The boats are for the purpose of bringing wood from the neighbouring Appennines, to supply the city of Rome with fuel.'