As we reported, the book by the Maltese born Count Amadeo Preziosi shows a captivating range of watercolours depicting C19th life.

"To find one picture by Count Preziosi would be a pleasure but to find no fewer than 81 of his works in his own personal sketchbook is astounding.", the auctioneer's expert on Travel and Topological art enthused.

The sketchbook sold for £378,400, beating its lower estimate by nearly £60,000. It contains images of ladies dressed in the Maltese garment, the Għonella.

Preziosi died following a hunting accident in 1882.