The illustrations were commissioned by George Smith, and first appeared in the Cornhill Magazine (1860-63). Smith recalled the problems he had with Leighton ... 'Leighton had never drawn on wood before, and when the proofs of the first wood engravings were sent to him, he came to me in great agitation. The engraver, he declared, had entirely spoilt his drawing, leaving out certain essential lines, and putting in other irrelevant ones of his own ... I sent for the wood-engraver (Joseph Swain) - one of the best of his class - who swore by all his gods, he had engraved every line conscientiously. I found myself between two exasperated artists, and looked forward with some dismay to what might happen during the next twelve months ... it suddenly occured to me I might manufacture evidence. I sent the next drawing to a photographer, and instructed him to photograph it with the utmost care. When Leighton made his next appearance to complain of the injustice done to his drawing, I produced my photograph, sent for the engraver, and the two fought it out together. Leighton became more accustomed to drawing on wood, and the other engravings gave him great satisfaction'. For further information see L. Huxley - House of Smith Elder, 1923