Life — January 26, 1928 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily **advertising copy**, not editorial satire. It promotes the Mimeograph machine—a document reproduction device—manufactured by the A. B. Dick Company of Chicago. The ad uses enthusiastic language ("AFANFARE!") to tout the mimeograph as an economical business tool that reduces printing costs. It emphasizes the device's speed and low operational expense, claiming it produces "thousands of well printed forms, letters, bulletins, maps, etc., quickly, easily, cheaply." The decorative oval photograph at top shows the mimeograph equipment itself. The ad lists the company's branch offices across major American cities and mentions mimeograph dealers are available nationwide. This reflects early-20th-century business culture, when mimeography represented cutting-edge, affordable office technology.