Life, 1896-12-03 · page 20 of 26
Life — December 3, 1896 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily an **advertising page** rather than political satire. It contains four product advertisements: 1. **Golden Sceptre Cigars** - a paper smoker product offering a 10-cent sample 2. **Vin Mariani** - a French wine tonic endorsed by composer Charles Gounod, marketed as a health restorative 3. **Pears' Soap** - promoting skin cleansing and beauty 4. **Life Magazine's announcement** - The lower half announces the magazine's upcoming expansion with "more pictures" and "more text" while maintaining the same price The Vin Mariani ad is notable as an example of **patent medicine marketing** common in the era, using celebrity endorsements (Gounod) and vague health claims. The Pears' Soap ad uses gentle humor about morning routines. The Life announcement promises readers increased content value—a typical magazine circulation strategy of the period.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
or ae IS PERFECTION We will send on receipt) vo: of 10c. a sample to; any address. Prices sf of GOLDEN SCEPTRE, AL 1%. $1.30, 1/1 40 cts.| Postage paid. Catalogue free] SURBRUG °° Felton at NEW YORK an’ *LIFE:; December 3, 18% VIN MARIANI MARIANI WINE—THE IDEAL FRENCH TONIC—FOR BODY AND BRAIN. “HONOR TO VIN MARIANI, THAT ADMIRABLE WINE WHICH SO OFTEN HAS RESTORED MY STRENGTH.” CHARLES GOUNOD. Write to MARIANI & CO. for Descriptive Book, 75 PORTRAITS. 62 W. 16th ST., Panta: (114, Haussmann, FAY + £39 Oxford St. Indorsements and Autographs of Celebrities. | It saved my life, Prolonged my years, And spared my family many tears. tea one of our oldest citl; ent. See that the word RYE tn la red lette ret is rime om H] the label, also our frm Ra cork. eapsure, and label, Sold Byrall reapectable dealers H. B. KIRK & CO., (esrtasiisnco 1002) 69 FULTON STREET, Also Broadway and 27th St. Be sure you get Pears, Half the fun of getting up in the men ing is in washing ite Peary! " Genuine Pears’—genuine fun. MORE |‘ his Thanksgiving Number and in succeeding Issues LIFE with the dignity of increasing years, will indulge in a more ample attire. THIS MEANS PICTURES! +e AND~ +: MORE TEXT! MORE GENERAL HAPPINESS! An enlargement all along the line, except in price. A WEEKLY SATISFYING FEAST OF ART AND LITERATURE, OF WIT, WISDOM AND REJUVENATION. In a lavish manner, but for the same old price, he will continue to cheer the melancholy, support the virtuous, and confound the wicked. RICHARD Ky FDR PRESS, NEW YORK.