Life, 1914-08-06 · page 10 of 40
Life — August 6, 1914 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a fictional story illustrated by Mary Lane McMillan about Aladdin and a genie. The narrative satirizes literary fandom and author worship. **The Plot:** Aladdin rubs a lamp and requests personal, intimate conversations with all his favorite authors—both living and dead. The genie grants this wish but later returns, angry that Aladdin has made him a "heart-to-heart" confidant. Aladdin complains he's been "cut out" from his favorite authors' company because the genie has replaced him in their affections. **The Satire:** This mocks readers' unrealistic fantasies about meeting beloved authors personally. The twist—that obtaining this wish actually *alienates* the reader from the authors—suggests that personal relationships with writers destroy the idealized connection readers imagine through their books. The genie's role-reversal cleverly comments on fan delusion.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WEATHER FORECAST ~Sipetin LANE! c Mi awa The Disturbance Along the Coast Will Reach the Interior To-night with Increased Intensity. Cut LADDIN having duly rubbed the lamp, the genie appeared and said pleasantly: “Well, old top, what can I do for you now?” “T've been thinking,” said Aladdin, DID yo’ SAY FO’ TO STOP IN DIS VIL~ E, SAH?” “NO, GO AHEAD NOW. YOU'VE HIT THE MAN I INTENDED TO SEE.” Clearing Conditions Will Follow Out “that I should like to meet all my favorite authors personally.” The genie took out his pad. “Let me get this order straight, sir. Living or dead?” “Both.” “Your favorite authors, living and dead. All together, sir, or in ro- tation?” Aladdin mused. “Well,” he replied, “I think in ro- tation. I want a personal, intimate sort of chat with each of them—an opportunity, you see, to size them up and get acquainted with them.” “Very good, sir.” The genie disappeared. It was only five minutes later when the bell rang. They had begun to arrive. eee ee “Look here, you infernal idiot,” said Aladdin to the genie, “you've done me a nice turn! You gave me a heart-to- heart talk with favorite authors.” “You requested it, sir. slave.” “But you ought to guard my inter- ests better than that, you over-obse- quious old devil.” The genie shrugged shoulders and said: “Tf not an impertinence, sir, may I inquire what is the trouble?” “Why, Iam cut out of my favorite pastime, you black-faced greenhorn. Now that I have seen what an ordi- nary lot all my favorite authors are, I no longer have any desire to read their books.” all my I am your his massive BY the way, Jack, Mr. Sebrecht says you ought to cover the lawn with fertilizer this fall.” Jack (pushing the lawn-mower): Oh, does he! I s'pose he thinks I want this grass to grow even faster than it does now. comicbooks.com