James Lumsden's The Steam Boat Companion was a guidebook created specifically to accompany the introduction of steamships into the Scottish tourism sector. Guidebooks became essential to Scottish travel and tourism thanks to the rise in tourists visiting the country, and the advent of steam, which propelled them. The steam boom was a direct result of the Industrial Revolution, which led to increased wealth and the newfound concept of leisure time. As people had more free time and money, they began to explore travel for pleasure rather than just for necessity. It was also essential to the economy of the islands, bringing them closer to markets and aiding internal commercial links. Lumsden's work is a pioneering travel guide that offers its readers an all-encompassing guide to the famous Scottish Highlands and Isles. The function of guidebooks lies in their ability to both promote and easily outline various destinations and methods of travel to their audience.

The Steam Boat Companion, published by Lumsden’s publishing company James Lumsden & Son, was specifically curated for the steamship traveller, including information on the various ships' accommodations and levels of comfort. The guidebook offers unvarnished accounts of experiences, and the honest nature of the writing makes it immediately trustworthy. By incorporating vivid descriptions of various landmarks and histories, Lumsden highlights the cultural significance and beauty of the sites, attracting travellers with tales of castles and the sublime beauty of the Scottish landscape. The style of writing fits within the genre of travel guides, appealing to its audience through the concepts of romanticism and the sublime, which are key components of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century travel literature.

With Scotland's rugged landscapes and cultural allure, Lumsden's work was a pocket-sized tool for travellers navigating Scotland's vast terrain and waters. Lumsden was acutely aware of the practicality of guidebooks, creating The Steam Boat Companion to be a trusted companion during travellers' journeys. This practicality is evident in the book's size and the individual maps designed for various routes. In addition to its practicality, the writer gives the impression of strolling through the Scottish Highlands with a pen and paper, allowing the reader to follow along in real time.   

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