Life — December 10, 1903 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily **advertising**, not satire or political commentary. It showcases illustrated gift books published by The Bobbs-Merrill Company in Indianapolis circa 1903-1904. Two books are featured: 1. **The New Christy Book** — illustrations by Howard Chandler Christy of Longfellow's poem about John Alden and Priscilla, priced at $3.00 2. **The Christy-Riley Book** — "An Old Sweetheart of Mine," featuring 19 full-page illustrations, priced at $2.00 standard edition or $5.00 for a deluxe author's edition The oval-framed portraits are decorative illustrations accompanying these literary works, not satirical caricatures. The right margin advertises Christy Books as "Best Gift Books," appealing to early-1900s consumers seeking illustrated literary gifts.