In 1900, the 3-D stereograph provided a journalistic "you are there" experience for millions of Americans, while also projecting ideas about race, class, and gender. This book from the author of Wisconsin Death Trip presents 233 such images—enlarged as single duotone photos—depicting peoples and cultures around the world, stark class divisions, and glimpses of daily life. Here are visual reports on war, rebellion, industrial revolution, and natural catastrophe, along with remnants of the natural world, illuminated by Michael Lesy's evocative commentary.

"Lesy has forged … his own singular sub-genre of literary and journalistic social criticism via archival photographs…. A sprawling and stunning snapshot of the world."—The Believer