Life, 1913-01-02 · page 19 of 44
Life — January 2, 1913 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page celebrates *Life* magazine itself through satirical "endorsements" attributed to famous literary figures—Shakespeare, Sophocles, Marcus Aurelius, Longfellow, Job, and Tennyson. Each quote is paired with a cartoon figure holding a *Life* publication, suggesting these historical/classical authorities recommend the magazine. The humor lies in the absurdity: these serious philosophers and poets are depicted endorsing a contemporary satirical magazine as if it were profound literature worthy of their praise. The contrasting quotes about "life" (existence, reality, earnestness) are cleverly repurposed to praise *Life* (the publication). This is self-promotional satire—*Life* mocks its own importance by pretending major historical figures would endorse it. The cartoonist (A.B. Walker, per signature) uses classical authority ironically, suggesting that reading *Life* offers wisdom comparable to studying great literature.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
*L DPB « Renowned Recommendations “ Nobody loves Lire like an old man.” Sophocles. “I love a ballad in print o° ; Lire, for then we are sure they Bid G ¥. “Nothing has such power to are true.” Shakespeare. 3 ; g : at 1 broaden the mind as the ability is to investigate a truly all that come: observation in Lire Marcus Aurelius ) ———=9) Jublished ct the Life Oftice - uss Breedvey ~ t ot eer FO 2 ne sean “Lire is real, Lire is earnest.” Longfellow. “All that a man hath will he give for “So dear a Lire your arms his Lire.” Job. enfold.” Tennyson. comicbooks.com