In the 18th and 19th centuries books on natural history were far more common in England than in Europe, and it was, in fact, one of the most popular of all topics. The exotic animals and plants of foreign countries were an added bonus to natural history writers and illustrators. By the late 19th century both the facts about and illustrations of these were becoming more accurate.

Also in the late 19th century the Education Acts were being passed in a number of countries including England and Australia and as the potential for a growing readership grew there was also an expansion in the publishing trade, particularly with regard to children's books.

Jumbo's picture book... was directed at the middle and upper classes. With it decorative gilt binding the book sold for 5 shillings. Friedrich Specht was a German artist trained at Stuttgart and noted for his zoological illustrations. The quality of the work in Jumbo's picture book... reflects this. His work is much sought after.

The wealthy Gilbert Family, pastoralists and vignerons at Pewsey Vale, had many books sent out to Australia for the children by family still living in England. The girls were taught by governesses, as were the boys until old enough to be sent away to school. Their school day was strictly structured and watched over closely by the parents.

Gilbert Collection

'Country life in the later nineteenth century: Reminiscences by Dorothy Gilbert', South Australiana, volume 12, number 2, September 1973, pp. 57-70

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

Whalley, Joyce Irene. A history of children's book illustration, by Joyce Irene Whalley and Tessa Rose Chester London: John Murray with the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1988

State Library of South Australia: Children's Literature Research Collection. The Gilbert Collection

British Library: Historical survey of Children's Literature in the British Library: Nineteenth century

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