Over the Ocean; or, Sights and Scenes in Foreign Lands

"Over the Ocean; or, Sights and Scenes in Foreign Lands" by Curtis Guild is a late 1800s travel book where the author shares his almost seven-month-long trip across Europe. Guild’s writing brings famous landmarks and cultural observations to life, aiming to give readers a close look at his adventures while also informing future travelers. The story kicks off with Guild talking about his childhood wish to visit places like London, Dublin, and Paris and moves into the reality of planning the trip, including his nervousness and figuring out the costs and what it's like to travel by steamship. As he starts his journey, Guild sets the scene for a close examination, looking at both the places he visits and the differences he sees between American tourists and European culture, paving the way for a detailed look at foreign lands.