The Picturesque Atlas of Australasia (1886-88) was published in Sydney with over 700 wood-engraved illustrations were specially commissioned works by leading Australian artists. It was released in 42 separate editions usually bound into three large volumes and sold a remarkable 50,000 copies.

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The 1100+ engravings on steel and wood contained in the Picturesque Atlas were among the finest engravings to be found anywhere in the world at this time, and many of the illustrations were especially commissioned works by leading Australian artists of the era for the publication.