Life, 1919-10-02 · page 46 of 48
Life — October 2, 1919 — page 46: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **cigarette advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. It appeared in *Life* magazine during an era (likely 1920s-1930s) when tobacco advertising was legal and widespread in mainstream publications. The image shows a hand holding a Camel cigarette package above a cityscape. The ad makes typical period marketing claims: that Camels are superior in "quality, flavor, mildness and satisfaction," blending Turkish and domestic tobaccos, and free from unpleasant aftertaste. **Key historical context for modern readers:** This represents an era before tobacco's health dangers were widely acknowledged or regulated. Cigarettes were advertised openly in family magazines without health warnings. The "18 cents a package" price and emphasis on scientific packaging reflect early 20th-century consumer marketing tactics. R.J. Reynolds was one of America's dominant tobacco companies.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
AMELS are unlike any cigarette you eve smoked—in quality, in flavor, in mel mildness and in real satisfaction! Any w you consider Camels they are a cigarette reve! tion! Camels meet your favor so completely yo will want to smoke them liberally—and you ca without tiring your taste! Camels are an expert blend of choice s and choice Domestic tobaccos. This blend is unusual, so delightful, you will prefer it to eith kind of tobacco smoked straight! It will abs lutely answer every wish you ever expressed a cigarette made to meet your taste! Camels have a smoothness that is as unique it is refreshing. Yet, Camels have that all the body that gives satisfaction so generously. A you'll enjoy Camels freedom from any unple: cigaretty aftertaste or any unpleasant ciga odor. You'll quickly realize that you very much prel Camels quality to premiums, coupons or gifts. 18 cents a package Camels are sold everywhere in scientifically sealed pack 20 cigarettes; of ten packages (200 cigarettes) ina Mlassine-paper-covered carton, We strongly recommend this carton for the home or office supply or when you travel R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO., Winston-Salem, K comicbooks.comg