Views of Trinidad.

The finest set of engravings that has ever been produced of the West Indies. An engaging set of views of Trinidad by one of the island's most important artists. Its scarcity is attributed to the limited issue, the subscriber list indicates only 149 copies were published, and the harshness of Trinidad's climate.

Born in Trinidad Michel-Jean Cazabon (1813-1888) was the first internationally renowned Trinidadian artist. His paintings of Trinidad scenery, and accompanying Trinidadians, are valuable records of the period. These plates have been described as 'possibly the finest set of engravings that has ever been produced of the West Indies' (Maclean).

The plates are captioned: Port of Spain from the Harbour; King's Wharf and South Quay-Port of Spain; Custom House and St. Vincent's Wharf; Trinity Church, Port of Spain; Catholic Church, Port of Spain; Government Buildings; Maraval Dike; The Governor's Residence, St. Anns; Queen's Park, Port of Spain; San Fernando and Naparima Hill; St. James' Barracks; Bamboo Arches, St. Anns; Village of Arima and Mount Tamana; The Cottage, Mount Tamana; Cedar Point, Mount Tamana; Maraccas Waterfall; Cascade at St. Anns; North Coast of Trinidad, from the North Post.

First edition, one of only 149 copies; landscape folio (35.5 x 51.5 cm); 18 hand-coloured lithograph plates by Eug. Ciceri after Cazabon, lithographed title, list of subscribers, contemporary ownership inscription to pastedown, endpapers repaired, very small marginal tear to title repaired; contemporary pebbled cloth boards rebacked and recornered, boards a little worn, otherwise a very good copy.

Abbey (Travel), 696; MacLean (Cazabon: an Illustrated Biography), 1986.