Life — December 31, 1914 — page 40: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a straightforward advertisement from *Life* magazine (December 31, 1914), not satire or political commentary. It promotes Pall Mall cigarettes, marketed as "Famous Cigarettes" available in London for "A Shilling" or "A Quarter" (pricing for different markets). The ad's tagline—"A Pleasure To Give & a Joy To Receive"—frames cigarettes as an ideal gift. The circular design features a coat of arms, emphasizing the brand's prestige and British heritage. The accompanying cigarette box illustration suggests luxury packaging suitable for gift-giving. This reflects the era when cigarettes were considered sophisticated consumer goods, before widespread health warnings. The ad targets affluent readers of *Life* magazine.