Life — December 6, 1917 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a **title/advertisement page** for *Life* magazine's coming issues rather than a cartoon. The ornate border features cherubs and Christmas imagery, establishing a holiday theme. The page announces three upcoming special issues: New Year's Number, Aviation Number, and "Our Boys' Number" (likely referring to American soldiers, given the 1917 date during World War I). The text promises that *Life* will "represent the most advanced patriotic American thought"—a pointed statement suggesting the magazine positioned itself as a serious voice on national affairs during wartime. The subscription offer ($5 annually) and note that *Life* makes "the best possible Christmas gift" indicate this was promotional material aimed at holiday gift-giving. The date "1917" at bottom confirms this was published during America's active involvement in WWI.