A complete issue · 36 pages · 1918
Judge — February 16, 1918
# "Her War Portion" - Judge Magazine, February 16, 1918 This illustration by James Montgomery Flagg depicts two women in World War I-era coats and hats. The title "Her War Portion" suggests commentary on women's roles during wartime. The figure on the left wears an elegant black coat with fur trim and carries a fashionable handbag, while the figure on the right wears a simpler gray coat. The contrast likely satirizes class differences in how women experienced WWI's hardships—wealthy women versus working-class women facing rationing, labor shortages, and economic sacrifice. Published during America's active involvement in WWI (1917-1918), this cartoon appears to critique unequal burden-sharing during wartime, suggesting that privileged women maintained luxury while ordinary women endured genuine deprivation and hardship.
# Analysis This page is primarily **advertising**, not political satire. It promotes "The Complete Works of Guy de Maupassant" — a newly available collected edition of the French author's stories. The top section features an article titled "A Tragedy of Domestic Disillusionment," which appears to be editorial content discussing Maupassant's realistic portrayal of marriage, deception, and human nature. The text praises his unflinching depiction of vice and virtue "by events and action" rather than moral judgment. The bulk of the page showcases the book set itself—displayed as stacked volumes in decorative binding—alongside subscription details and pricing information. A coupon allows readers to order at a "specially low before-publication price." This represents **turn-of-century book marketing** rather than political commentary.
# Abraham Lincoln's Hat This page from *Judge* magazine features an article by Perriton Maxwell about Abraham Lincoln's tall stovepipe hat, presented as a historical relic worthy of reverence. The text celebrates Lincoln as an American icon whose "wisdom has withstood the acid test of time" and whose legacy grows stronger with decades. The article frames the hat symbolically—as representing Lincoln's character: "simplicity," "homely severity," and "lack of affectation." The author contrasts it favorably with grandiose symbols like Caesar's crown or Napoleon's laurels, suggesting American democracy values humble authenticity over ornate power. The piece appears written during a period of national crisis (possibly WWI era, given references to "chaos"), using Lincoln's enduring memory to inspire contemporary Americans facing turbulent times.
