Wood's early panoramic views of Calcutta. William Wood senior, the artist's father, began selling his son's lithographs in parts in 1831. By the time all the parts were completed in 1833, other publishing houses, including Ackermann in the Strand and Parbury and Allen had also acquired selling rights. After the first part was issued, the East India Magazine for March 1831, reported enthusiastically: 'These views are extremely interesting; they convey an accurate idea of the sumptuous residences occupied by part of the European community at Calcutta. An observant eye will soon mark the contrast between the degree of splendour attaching to the private residences from that of the public edifices... No old retired [British resident of India] should be without these admirable representations. They call up so many exquisite visions of the past that the mind seems haunted by a spell while gazing upon them, almost too fascinating to wish it to be broken.'

Wood arrived in Calcutta in 1828 to assist his brother, George, who was the Superintendent of the Asiatic Lithographic Press, established in the 1820's. William returned to London only in 1832. He must, therefore, have drawn most of the lithographic stones in Calcutta (probably at the Asiatic Press and forwarded them to his father in London. His series of prints presents an almost continuous panorama of buildings as viewed from the Maidan. Starting with Chandpaul Ghat, they extend along Esplanade Row and then turn into Chowringhee. Several mansions appear still under construction using bamboo scaffolding; in the foreground, people tend their animals, wash their clothes or themselves in the public tanks and relax in groups, smoking their hookahs.

Quite possibly presented by the Earl of Dalhousie between 1848 and 1849, during which time he was Governor General of India but prior to his elevation to the Marquessate following the capture of the Punjab and the despatch of the Koh-i-Noor diamond to Queen Victoria.

Large folio (55 x 38cm), 28 lithographs mostly on india paper in fine hand-colour, presentation inscription on title page from the Earl of Dalhousie, original printed boards, rebacked and re-cornered, new endpapers, a little worn, the plates clean and fresh, a very good copy.

Abbey (Travel), 495; Bobins 277.