SAEDNEWS: Step into a Wonder of the Past: A 19th-Century Peepshow Book
According to the History and Culture Desk of SaedNews, this short video reveals a true treasure: a tunnel book, or peepshow book, a remarkable example of 19th-century visual toys and applied arts. These objects, often created as souvenirs or entertainment tools to showcase famous events and places, were the era’s pioneers of immersive visual experiences.
Details and Structure
Exterior: The book features a cardboard cover with a marbled design, bearing a small label, possibly with a French title such as Les Diableries (though image clarity is uncertain, this name was common for similar 19th-century books) or another title.
Mechanism: Opening and pulling the interior sections reveals the accordion (concertina) structure. It consists of multiple hand-colored and engraved cardboard layers connected on the sides with cloth or paper strips.
3D Visual Effect: When fully extended and viewed through the peep-hole on the front cover, the book creates an astonishing illusion of depth and three-dimensionality. Precise cuts in each layer allow the viewer to perceive interior spaces all the way to the distant background with a strong sense of perspective.
Depicted Scenes
Front View (Cover): A triumphal arch or grand monument featuring detailed figures on horseback and on foot in historical attire—possibly the Carrousel Arch in Paris or another famous landmark.
Inner Layers: Lush green landscapes and crowded garden scenes with people enjoying leisure, resembling a park or formal garden. These urban and garden views provide a captivating glimpse into the social life and architecture of the period.
This tunnel book is a rare work of art that not only demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship but also serves as a visual time machine, inviting viewers to explore scenes from a bygone era.
