Date: 1932
Size: 10.5 x 13.75 inches
Artist: Russel Sambrook
"The Youth's Companion" was an American magazine published in Boston, Massachusetts, that existed for over a century independently before merging with the "American Boy" magazine in 1929. Although initially focusing on religion and advocating more traditional values, "The Youth's Companion" grew to appeal to a wider audience by concentrating on entertainment. They also began to cater to adult readers with pieces written by the likes of Mark Twain and Emily Dickinson, but maintained their "child-friendly" content by refusing to publish about drugs or alcohol - politics were rarely discussed, and if so, they were in a satirical and digestible format. The magazine was an American pop culture staple, within and beyond its time; author Erle Stanley Gardner was a huge fan of the magazine as a child, and named his legendary detective character Perry Mason after the magazine's publishing company.
This charming poster, actually the cover of the May 1932 edition, depicts a college student losing track of his ironing as he delves into some literature titled "How to Be the Life of the Party". Mounted on linen, this colourful and playful piece is ready to be framed.