There have been plenty of causes formed by justifiable outrage, but here is one that is hard to get too worked up over. Item 100 is a cartoon from the prolific cartoonist of the Boston Post, William Ritchie, who penned his drawings for four decades under the name "Norman." This one is titled Just Like a Man, and what generated Ritchie's satire was an apparent new trend in women's fashions. That trend was adding pockets to their clothing. Why this would upset anyone is hard to fathom, though perhaps a century ago this might have seemed rational. "Norman" depicts a woman with numerous stuffed pockets in her garments, and other exaggerated uses, such as a pocket in her hat. Fortunately, times have advanced, and now women can vote, become leaders of industry and politics, and have pockets in their clothing. You've come a long way, baby. $250.
Here is another piece of extreme propaganda that is hard to tell whether it comes from the far left or far right. From which side comes attacks on religion? My own best guess is that if it's an attack on all religions, it probably comes from the left, while if it is an attack on one specific religion, it comes from the right. Item 73 is a postcard-size photograph that certainly attacks the Catholic Church, but whether its creator's antipathy was limited to that religion is unknown. The photographer is anonymous. Depicted are three nuns in various stages of dress or undress, two whipping the backside of one who is mostly unclothed. While the photographer's exact message is not certain, one can assume it was not meant to be complimentary towards the Catholic Church. Bair says the photograph was most likely taken in Paris between 1900 and 1920. $175.
Lorne Bair Rare Books may be reached at 540-665-0855 or info@lornebair.com. The website is www.lornebair.com.
