For the 'stay-at-home' traveller, the 19th century saw the publication of a great many world geographies, in which the reader was transported to all the known countries. The books were also an important element in the education of the children of the middle and upper classes, extending their knowledge beyond the borders of their own country.

An overview of each country's climate, productions and cities was provided. There was still a fascination with the exotic islands of the Pacific Ocean most of which had only been discovered by Europeans from the 1760s. The lifestyles of the peoples of the Pacific were meticulously recorded by many explorers.

In Aspin's Cosmorama there are 18 plates, each of which contain four illustrations of the inhabitants of the countries discussed. There is no illustration of an Australian. Australia and Tasmania are contained within the section on Asia. This copy is delicately hand-coloured.

Aspin wrote at least seven books for children and youth and a number of other works, including astrology cards and maps. Jehoshaphat Aspin is believed to be a non-de-plume for an unidentified woman.

Moon, Marjorie. John Harris's books for youth, 1801-1843: being a check-list of books for children and young people published for their amusement and instruction, Cambridge, Eng.: M. Moon; sold by A. Spilman, c1976

Muir, Percy H. English children's books, 1600 to 1900, London: Batsford, [1954]

Thwaite, M. F. From primer to pleasure in reading: an introduction to the history of children's books in England from the invention of printing to 1914, with an outline of some developments in other countries, London: Library Association, 1972

Whalley, Joyce Irene. Cobwebs to catch flies: illustrated books for the nursery and schoolroom, 1700-1900, London: Elek, 1974

Historical survey of children's literature in the British Library

Treasures of the State Library: Australia on the map 1606-2006. Cosmorama: a view of the costumes and peculiarities of all nations

University of Delaware Library: World of the child. Books of instruction

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. To be a child August 2004-