Life, 1911-09-07 · page 24 of 44
Life — September 7, 1911 — page 24: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents **satirical fake book announcements** mocking pretentious or absurd literary works. The invented titles ridicule contemporary trends—books on child-rearing, nervous conditions, spiritualism, and women's issues. The crude caricatures (particularly Abdul Pasha Xyalis and Prof. Spike Litt Sharkins) suggest these are parodies of real or imagined self-help and pop-psychology authors. The lower section pivots to serious political commentary on **Governor Woodrow Wilson** as a potential presidential candidate. The critique cites concerns that Wilson's authoritarian leadership style—his tendency to "command instead of counsel"—differs unfavorably from Theodore Roosevelt's personal magnetism. The writer suggests Wilson compensates with drawing power but generates fierce opposition. The Cleveland comparison likely references another divisive Democratic leader. This reflects pre-1912 presidential speculation about Wilson's viability.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
390 PORTER EMERSON DUDLEY REMINISCENCES OF MY CHILDHOOD ABDUL PASHA XYALIS AUTHOR OF “NO S MAT- TALKS TO WOMEN. WEDDING BELLS FOR HER,’ RIMONY A FAILURE Governor Wilson CCORDING to “Holland,” accom- plished writer of syndicate letters, Democratic leaders who discuss Gover- nor Wilson as a candidate for President say that his “ temperamental quality” is not just right. They complain that “his disposition is to drive rather than to per- suade; to command instead of counsel- “LIFE: Life’s Literary Announcement For Coming Year—No. 2 MARY MINDUM WELLS THE BABY, WIS CARE AND TRAINING, AUTHOR OF “ ARE POLICEMEN TRUE TO THEIR vows?” PROF, SPIKE LITT SHARKINS AUTHOR OF “THOSE SHINING EYES,” “MY EXPERIENCE WITH NERVOUS SUFFERERS.” That Prince- ing as a leader should counsel.” sounds like an echo from ton. A political leader who is to go far must have in him some measure of the power “to draw all men unto him.” That 1s a power that Mr. Roosevelt pos- sesses in a high degree and that the late Mr. Shepard lacked. Governor Wilson is not devoid of it, but along in with JAMES BARR SOAKE MY RELATION TOWARDS TIE ITUAL LIFE, AUTHOR OF “THE STUFF THAT DREAMS ARE MADE ON.” srir- COUNT CASTLENAIR AMERICAN WOMEN I MAVE MET, AU- THOR OF “IS SELP-SUPPORT A NE- cessity.” what he has of it is mixed an excep- tional ability to excite bitter opposition. Perhaps he has been a little too ready to walk over some men whom he would have done better to walk around. But, after all, the same could be said of Cleveland. If the drawing power is strong enough it will take care of a lot of em- battled opposition.