The Wasp — 1879 — page 121: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a **title page and masthead** for The Wasp magazine, published in San Francisco. It displays the publication's logo (an illustrated wasp within a decorative circle) and subscription information for various regions. The page includes several brief news items and satirical commentary, including mockery of the "Self-Made Man" concept—a popular American ideal of the era. The text argues that claims of self-made success are typically false, as they rely on luck, family circumstances, and social advantage rather than purely individual merit. There are also references to local San Francisco scandals and business disputes, typical of The Wasp's role as a satirical publication targeting regional corruption and pretension. However, **no clear political cartoons are visible** on this particular page.