Life — December 2, 1909 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is **primarily advertising**, not satire or political commentary. It contains four product advertisements from the early 20th century: 1. **B&H Patent Cigarette Humidor** - a storage box with crystal lining and lemon oil to keep cigars fresh 2. **Benson & Hedges Cabinet Cigars** - fine imported cigars sold in New York and London 3. **Philip Morris Cigarettes** - "Original London Cigarettes" with the tagline "Old friends—old wine—complete the combination" 4. **J. & F. Martell Cognac** - brandy founded 1715, sold by G.S. Nicholas & Co. in New York The only image with narrative content is a small illustration for Martell showing a woman with Christmas boxes labeled "Home Sweet Home," with text reading "How happy could I be with either were t'other dear charmer away" — a period romantic reference, likely to encourage gifting alcohol during holidays.