Wayback Machine
No, not this Wayback Machine. I know about that one, and it's just for the internet. It's mostly a repository of forum trolls, pointless UseNet binary threads, and bad grammar.
There is, in fact, a much better machine for looking back in time: Google Books. That's because they've got more than just the free copies of Shakespeare; they've got magazines. Lots of 'em.
Try this: go to Google Books and type in a search (sans quotation marks) for "life magazine may 17 1968" -- which date I use as an example because an event of earth-shattering importance occurred at that point in history. The first link you'll see leads to a full-color, hi-resolution PDF copy of the magazine. Or if you don't like that date, (I can't imagine why you wouldn't), then try another date. Or another magazine. The collection is ginormous.
As you browse through yesteryear, you'll almost certainly find the ads of most interest; they are both amusing and amazing. For instance, in that issue of Life you'll find full-page advertisements hawking huge 19" diagonal television sets, puke-green '68 Dodge Chargers, window air conditioner units, and more ads for cigarettes and booze than you can flick your Bic at.
Go on, then. Go and find out what the world looked like on your Most Important Day in History.
(I recommend viewing in full screen, dual-page view. That gives you more of the feel of reading the actual magazine.)
There is, in fact, a much better machine for looking back in time: Google Books. That's because they've got more than just the free copies of Shakespeare; they've got magazines. Lots of 'em.
Try this: go to Google Books and type in a search (sans quotation marks) for "life magazine may 17 1968" -- which date I use as an example because an event of earth-shattering importance occurred at that point in history. The first link you'll see leads to a full-color, hi-resolution PDF copy of the magazine. Or if you don't like that date, (I can't imagine why you wouldn't), then try another date. Or another magazine. The collection is ginormous.
As you browse through yesteryear, you'll almost certainly find the ads of most interest; they are both amusing and amazing. For instance, in that issue of Life you'll find full-page advertisements hawking huge 19" diagonal television sets, puke-green '68 Dodge Chargers, window air conditioner units, and more ads for cigarettes and booze than you can flick your Bic at.
Go on, then. Go and find out what the world looked like on your Most Important Day in History.
(I recommend viewing in full screen, dual-page view. That gives you more of the feel of reading the actual magazine.)
posted by Jar(egg)head at 13:16
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home