In Britain, the magnetism of the picturesque helped launched a new culture of domestic tourism and national pride. While the wealthy could afford to create picturesque vistas on their estates or take a voyage to an exotic land, the middle class looked to their homeland for inspiration. Encouraged by color plate books, the public’s desire to enjoy beauty in the British Isles launched a robust tourism industry.

Patriotism, too, grew with the help of picturesque illustrations. Love of the monarchy and British homeland, as well as pride of their powerful military and expanding global empire, are on full display in these volumes.