Illustrations and Views of Dutch Ceylon 1602-1796 is a richly illustrated exploration of the Dutch influence on Sri Lanka during the 17th and 18th centuries. Authored by R. K. de Silva, renowned for Early Prints of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) 1800 – 1900, and co-authored by W. G. M. Beumer, this book presents a vivid pictorial record of Sri Lanka's life, landscapes, and people under Dutch rule. Through over 400 historical artworks, including 150 newly colorized paintings and 250 detailed black-and-white illustrations, the authors delve into Dutch Ceylon's culture, architecture, customs, and natural history.
 
Drawing from rare historical publications and artists, including Baldaeus and Valentijn, Illustrations and Views of Dutch Ceylon is more than a visual archive. Its carefully researched notes and original text excerpts bring insight into VOC (Dutch United East Indies Company) life, making this an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Readers will find a treasure trove of information on everything from colonial officials and local customs to the flora and fauna of the island, each page echoing a shared heritage between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.
 
For history aficionados and art lovers, this work captures the intricate details of a complex era and offers a unique lens into Sri Lanka's colonial past, bound to captivate and inform.