Life — April 27, 1922 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Real Wiglaf: Man and Monarch" by Robert C. Benchley This page discusses the historical figure Wiglaf, who became ruler of Mercia (in present-day England) in the early Ninth Century. Benchley uses Wiglaf's biography to examine how little we truly know about historical figures, despite claims made about them. The article references Wiglaf's alleged bride and domestic incidents, questioning historical accuracy. The accompanying illustrations show medieval scenes—including what appears to be a figure trying to "walk a tide-rope" (likely a humorous metaphor for maintaining balance or dignity in difficult circumstances). Benchley's point is satirical: we construct elaborate narratives about historical "great men" based on fragmentary evidence, creating false certainty about intimate details we cannot possibly verify. The essay is part of Life's tradition of witty commentary on historical pretension.