Undercut

Undercut, the first volume in the Material Culture Perspectives series, examines the complex social history of cut glass during the Long Gilded Age. Joseph Larnerd shifts the historical focus away from wealthy consumers and factory owners to highlight the lived experiences of the laborers involved in production. This historical study explores how the making and maintenance of these decorative arts artifacts shaped working-class life in the United States.

The text analyzes various public representations of glasswork, including World's Fair demonstrations and images of domestic workers. By investigating how cut glass intersected with class, gender, and race, Undercut provides a multifaceted social art history of this decorative arts genre. This volume serves as a significant resource for those interested in American history, decorative arts, and the material culture of the Americas.