Life, 1922-02-02 · page 23 of 34
Life — February 2, 1922 — page 23: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes self-help books and mail-order courses popular in the early 20th century. The "testimonials" are fake endorsements that mock how these products claimed to transform lives—but reveal the opposite. The humor works by showing unintended consequences: a grammar book ruins a songwriter's career (correct English doesn't sell pop songs); a whitening toothpaste costs an actress her movie job; a legal guide makes someone a successful but morally questionable ambulance-chaser; joke books end a traveling salesman's road career; a "Five-Foot Shelf of Books" forces someone to move apartments. The cartoon shows a crowded subway or streetcar where people enjoy being packed together—the "grouch" complains while the "actor" loves the crowd, ironically illustrating how perspective shifts meaning. The final exchange mocks how editors reject jokes while secretly finding them funny—exposing editorial hypocrisy. The satire targets consumer culture's exaggerated product claims and the gap between marketing promises and messy reality.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE Testimonials One Never Sees ['S:—Eight months ago I was writing lyrics for popular songs and doing pretty good. I copped around 1 year. Then one day a friend of mine, a head- , got me interested in your wonderful book, “How to orrect English in Sixty Days or Your Money [t certainly worked wonders for me. Before I got hat was happening, I was speaking correct English And not only that, but I was writing it! And that just ruined me. A guy can’t flirt with grammar and syntax iid get by in the pop song business. To-day I’m "1 thirty a week and glad to get it, driving a truck. Yours sincerely, Bertram Bim. Speak Back.” hep to all the time. grabbii x ok * Deak | kieNp:—Your wonderful dentifrice has changed the course of my entire life. I was one of those smiling sou- prettes in the movies before I came across your ad. I tried Floss« Tooth Paste right away and got immediate results. Inside of two weeks I lost my job in the movies because my teeth Jon't film any more—just as you guaranteed. So mother is taking in washing again and using your wonder- ful non-skid soap. She and [ have built up a prosperous trade. specializing in petticoats and flannel nightgowns here amony the Hollywood stars. Cordially yours, Nettie ve NIcE. * * * Gey) eMEN:—I know you will be glad to hear of my suc- cess am the leading lawyer of my home town as a result of studying your complete vest-pocket volume, “Law—From the \icdes and Persians to Wilson and Colby.” But don’t get inated about it. It wasn’t until I subscribed for “How to Boome a Short and Middle Distance Sprinter,” in your Awful jam, isn’t it? I love a packed house. Subway Grouch: Actor: Great! “I was sorry to hear of your brother’s death, McTavish. Undoubtedly a great loss.” “Ay, ay, but not such a awfu’ great loss; he played a verra poor game 0” gowf.” Everyfellow’s Series, that I was able to grasp success. Since completing that volume, I can beat any other ambu- lance chaser in the county. I am so prosperous I don’t even save cigar coupons. Very truly yours, Ratpu Muceins. * * * Dear Strs:—Before I bought your famous booklet, “One Thousand Funny Jokes for Traveling Salesmen,” I had a hard time on the road. All that is over now—I am not on the road any longer. I am back in the main office, cleaning windows. Your book surely did a deal to me. ngly, Bromiey Lutz. GENTLEMEN :—Before I subscribed to your Five-Foot Shelf of Books I knew nothing. Now I know that I’ve got to move to another flat. There isn’t room enough in the one we're in to put up a five-foot shelf anywhere. As ever, Netson Kent. Kind Soul! IND EDITOR: I'm awfully sorry I can’t use any of these jokes. Ler: But I thought I heard you laughing at them. did that to cheer you up while you were waiting.” comicbooks.com