Life, 1897-04-15 · page 21 of 34
Life — April 15, 1897 — page 21: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **pure advertisement**, not a cartoon or satire. It's a full-page ad for Williams' Shaving Soaps, appearing in *Life* magazine (which published both satirical content and paid advertising). The ad uses pseudo-scientific language typical of early 20th-century marketing—comparing facial pores to "little mouths" that absorb substances, and equating soap quality to food purity. This reflects genuine health anxieties of the era about product contamination. The decorative lily flowers and ornate border frame the product bottles at top center, establishing an upscale, luxurious brand image. The company emphasizes over 50 years of reputation for "PURITY and SUPERIORITY." The ad lists multiple product variants (stick, tablet, cakes) and provides international addresses (Glastonbury, Connecticut; London; Sydney), indicating this was a established multinational brand. **No satire or political reference is present**—this is straightforward period advertising using contemporary health-consciousness appeals.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Bc PWiuuans syne "§ ‘THE pores of the face are “little mouths” which greedily drink in whatever is given them, whether it be good or evil. Just as great care should be used in selecting shaving soap as in selecting pure, nourishing food. Strong, impure soap poisons the system, like impure food. The name “ WILLIAMS” on shaving soaps has been a guarantee of PURITY and, SUPERIORITY for more than half a century, all over the world. WILLIAMS’ SHAVING SOAPS are SIMPLY IN- COMPARABLE for their Rich, Cream-like Lather, the peculiar softening action on the beard, and the wonderfully soothing, healing, refreshing effect upon the skin. Williams’ Soaps... . Make Shaving Luxurious WILLIAMS! SOAPS are for sale everywhere, but if your dealer does not supply you — we mail them — to any address — postpaid on receipt of. ori ce. The J. B. WILLIAMS CO. | vanes Shaving Stick, 25 cts. Glastonbury, Conn., U.S. A. { ury Shaving € Tabtet, ase ae | Sula vein a esate cts, LONDON: 64 Great Russell Street Jersey C H Wittanys” Shavin ng. Soap (Har Bers) § Round Cakes. + Ib., SIDNEY: 163 Clarence Street 4c. Exquisite al so tor ollet. Trial cake fur ac. stamp.