Advocacy Material Appraisal

What Famous People Think of 'YOGODA' Testimonial Leaflet

This item is a piece of printed ephemera, likely a leaflet or part of a larger publication, focusing on 'Yogoda' teachings, associated with Swami Yogananda. The central visible piece is a cream-colored paper, tri-folded vertically, with black letterpress or offset printing. Its dimensions appear to be standard paper size, possibly 8.5 x 11 inches when unfolded, given the multiple columns of text. The paper exhibits significant creasing due to its folding, and there are visible signs of aging including discoloration (yellowing) and potentially some minor edge wear or small tears, though these are not clearly discernible in the image. The content is titled 'What Famous People Think of "YOGODA"' and lists testimonials from various individuals, including 'Mme. Amelita Galli-Curci,' 'Luther Burbank,' 'Clara Clemens Gabrilowitsch,' 'Douglas Grant Duff Ainslie,' 'Louis K. Van Norman,' and 'Maharaj of Kasimbazar.' This suggests it was used for promotional or informational purposes, aiming to legitimize or popularize Yogoda through endorsements. Another piece of paper, titled 'TESTIMONIALS OF YOGODA STUDENTS OF SWAMI YOGANANDA (From Members of Yogoda Classes in Detroit, New York, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, California, Washington, D.C., Buffalo, etc.)', is visible behind the main leaflet, indicating this specific piece is part of a broader collection of similar promotional materials. This suggests a publication date around the 1920s, aligning with the provided context of '1926 Yogoda ephemera.' The craftsmanship appears to be typical for mass-produced printed material of the era, focusing on clear text for readability. The item’s condition shows a historical patina consistent with its age.