Life, 1925-11-05 · page 13 of 50
Life — November 5, 1925 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a humorous dialogue sketch titled **"Buy Her a Book"** rather than a political cartoon. It depicts a bookstore scene where a man (Henry) seeks a gift recommendation for a lady. The satire mocks the pretentiousness of literary recommendation culture: the store manager and clerk earnestly debate which "greatest novel" to suggest, citing titles like "The She-Woman" and "Paradise Lost," while constantly revising their opinions about what's supposedly "best." The joke is that they're overthinking a simple gift—Henry eventually just wants to buy *something*, and his companion suggests candy instead of books, deflating the entire literary discussion. The accompanying illustration labeled "BIG BO PEEP" appears unrelated. This satirizes both book-snobbery and the gap between highbrow literary talk and practical needs.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE HOTEL YOU STOPPED AT IN DENVER, DEAR?” “ou, I CAN'T REMEMBER THE NRY (entering a bookstore with Her on his arm and visibly be- wildered by the array of shelves): 1 want a book for the lady. Crerk: Yes, sir, Anything in par- ticular? Hesey: Why, I saw your ad in the paper a couple weeks ago. It men- tioned something as the best novel of the twenticth century. Tit take that Currk (hopefully) : name? No; I thought you'd It was called the best T guess You don't remember it Henry: know it. novel of... Cuerk (stalling for time): TN ask the other salesman, (He con- Its with the second clerk.) MANacer (arriving on scene): Are you being served? Henry: Why, I guess so. 1 asked that man for the best novel ol the twentieth century. Manacer: Nonsense. One can't pick the best. Who says so? Henry: Your advertisement said so the other week. NAME. ‘‘Buy Her a Book’"’ Manacer: H'm. Well...of course, we'll find it for you. Mr. Jones! Mr. Smith! (The clerks come up.) Surely you can give this gentleman the best novel of the century! Smitn: Of course. It's “The She- Woman,” gripping, vital, real, the finest novel since “Paradise Lost.” JUST A SECOND AND I'LL LOOK THROUGH MY TOWELS.” MANAGER this week's best Joxes: Maybe it’s “Juniper Julia,” the sweetest romance “Home, Sweet Home.” Y Manacer: No, no. only last: week. Henry (helpfully): The ad said it was the greatest novel of... MANAGER: What else did it say? Henry: No, That's since That came out Yes, yes Why...oh, yes! It said that once taken up, it cannot be laid down until every page is read. Perhaps we could take up a few books and try them out? Manacer (suspiciously): Say, are you trying to kid us? Sue (suddenly): Never mind, Henry. I think I'd rather have a box of candy, anyway. (Tre Door Stams.) IW. L. Werner. A SECRETARY of State is a man who has to be careful with whom he shakes hands across the sea. comicbooks.com