Life, 1915-05-27 · page 7 of 44
Life — May 27, 1915 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine presents a satirical dialogue titled "Filling an Order" featuring Aladdin and a slave. The narrative mocks wartime literary adaptation: a civilian asks Aladdin for something that "delights the eye and mind" while possessing "style, imagination, courage, fortitude, charm and practical ability." Aladdin promptly delivers "France"—represented in the classical allegorical illustration below. The satire targets authors who hastily rewrite novels as war stories for commercial success. The young author in "Last Resort" admits changing his hopeless novel into a war story to sell it. The page ridicules both the demand for patriotic content and authors' opportunistic compliance, suggesting France itself becomes a commodity product rather than genuine artistic subject matter.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIF “VIVE LA FRANCE” Filling an Order Due Foresight Last Resort ALADDIN held the lamp long in IVILIAN (to army officer): What “so you're convinced that your his hand before giving it the can you fellows do if we do go novel is hopeless?” customary rub. He was thinking to war with Germany? “Absolutely,” replied the young deeply. Spoiled with long indulgence — « We have all our plans laid to take author. “I couldn't even sell it after of his wishes, he was at a loss what — ygilwaukee.” I changed it into a war story.” to request. At last, in response to his rub, the slave appeared. “O slave of this lamp,” said Aladdin, “T have never appealed to your judg- ment and experience before, have 1?” “No, sire.” “T have simply ordered you to fetch something 1 wanted and you have obeyed me.” “Yes, sire.” “Well, it has just occurred to me that flying about all over the earth, as you are accustomed to do, you must have acquired a profound knowledge of the inherent qualities of many things.” “You do me honor, sire.” “And there is nothing which you may not fetch me, be it big or little, be it a material object, a section of the globe, a quality, an essence-——” “Nothing, sire.” “Very well, slave. Attend! I wish to have you bring me something which delights the eye and mind at the same time, which is never a bore, you understand, which always interests, has style, imagination, courage, fortitude. charm and practical ability. Now, what say you to such an order? Can you fill it?” “I think I can, sire.” The slave disappeared, only to re- appear shortly. Aladdin’s eyes bright- ened as he gazed, “You have brought me—" “France.” AUX GRANDS HOMMES DE LA FRANCE