In 1831 Joseph James Forrester came out to Portugal to join the wine-shipping company of his uncle, James Forrester. He was to devote the rest of his life to his adopted country, firstly with a laborious 12 year survey to improve the navigation of the River Douro, and then his study and encouragement of the port wine trade. He was created Baron de Forrester by the King of Portugal and received numerous international medals and honours. 'The Scenery of Portugal' predates any of his works listed in the B.M. catalogue (the earliest being published in 1845). It is apparent that the book was intended to be completed in up to 12 parts for, 'the first eight of which ... are the materials already prepared'.