Austin Cooper (1759-1830) created a unique record of Ireland's architectural heritage as it was in his day. Now accompanied by an extensive commentary, 132 of his finest drawings are gathered together and published - some for the very first time. In association with the National Library of Ireland, Dr Peter Harbison provides extended captions and quotes from Cooper's own diaries. These illuminate the work of a man who did so much to help preserve a heritage that was already disappearing, even in his own time.