Abstract

This study considers the implications of the "stereoscopic tours" and Travel System produced by the American photographic concern Underwood & Underwood, c. 1897-1912 from the perspective of social and cultural history. After providing an account of the history of the European and American stereo industries, a cultural-contextual reading of stereoscopic tourism is offered. This reading focuses on two main aspects of late 19 th century American society: middle-class tourism, and burgeoning U.S. expansionism. A conclusion points the way to further study by considering the stereograph's role in the shift towards the visual bias of knowledge.