Life — August 18, 1927 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine - August 18, 1927 - Tourists' Number This is the cover illustration for Life's special "Tourists' Number." The artwork depicts a woman reclining on a beach, gazing upward dreamily while holding a string attached to a small airplane flying overhead. The caption reads: "My Bonnie lies over the ocean!" The illustration references the famous song "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" and appears to satirize romantic tourism and leisure culture of the 1920s. The airplane detail likely alludes to modern travel possibilities of the era, when aviation was becoming a viable (though expensive) transportation option. The image captures the escapist fantasy of tourists seeking romantic adventure and exotic destinations—a central theme for Life's special tourist-focused edition aimed at affluent American travelers.