Life — May 21, 1908 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 543 The main illustration depicts a mountainous landscape with what appears to be a wooden structure or boat on the left and figures in the foreground. The caption reads: "PERSIA WAS SUFFICIENTLY HILLY TO GIVE THE ZIP A GREAT VARIETY OF EXERCISE." The accompanying text discusses Mr. Comstock being urged by the Czar to become Russian National Censor, with Nicholas exclaiming "Think of it!" The passage satirizes Comstock's censorship activities by humorously suggesting he would find work in Russia. The joke appears to reference Anthony Comstock, the famous American moral crusader and censor, implying his rigorous censorship would suit an autocratic Russian regime. The lower section contains unrelated content including "Proper Questions to Ask Upon Meeting an American for the First Time" and a brief exchange about "Humpty Dumpty."