Showing results by author "H L Mencken" in All Categories

Edited and annotated by H. L. M., this is a selection from his out-of-print writings. They come mostly from books - the six installments of the Prejudices series, A Book of Burlesques, In Defense of Women, Notes on Democracy, Making a President, A Book of Calumny, Treatise on Right and Wrong - but there are also magazine and newspaper pieces that never got between covers (from the American Mercury, the Smart Set, and the Baltimore Evening Sun) and some notes that were never previously published at all.

Famed journalist, satirist, and cultural critic Henry Louis (H. L.) Mencken is known as the chief heretic of the American civic religion for a reason. From the corruption of politicians to the dangers of mob rule, Mencken explores the pitfalls of democracy with his trademark irreverence and insight. In our age of demagogues, Notes on Democracy is as relevant today as it was nearly a century ago.

Written during the 1920s, an era that reflects much of our modern times 100 years later, this book by culture critic and scholar Mencken dissects what democracy is. The book’s three parts are “Democratic Man,” “The Democratic State” that includes a chapter on popular will and a chapter on politicians, and “Democracy and Liberty” with a section on corruption under democracy, followed by a “Coda” that discusses the future of democracy.

Originally published in 1922, this book considers topics that remain of vital interest to today’s readers, including monogamy and polygamy, the double standard, sexual harassment, and declining marriage rates. Written in Mencken’s characteristic no-nonsense manner, In Defense of Women crackles with controversy and caustic wit.

In Defense of Women is H. L. Menckens provocative 1918 exploration of the dynamics between the sexes. Celebrated by some as a progressive critique and dismissed by others as a reactionary manifesto, Menckens work offers a unique perspective on womens wisdom and the shortcomings of average men. Though he did not advocate for womens rights, he portrayed women in a light that challenged the societal norms of his time. As noted by biographer Fred Hobson, readers may find themselves interpreting Mencken as either a bold defender of womens autonomy or, as one critic labeled him, the greatest ...

Dive into the world of Henry Louis H. L. Mencken (1880 – 1956), a formidable American journalist and essayist known for his sharp wit and incisive critiques of American culture. Often hailed as the Sage of Baltimore, Menckens influence on 20th-century literature is profound. He is best remembered for his groundbreaking work, The American Language, a comprehensive exploration of how English is uniquely spoken across the United States. Mencken also gained notoriety for his satirical coverage of the Scopes trial—dubbed the Monkey trial—where he deftly exposed the absurdities of the era. ...

American journalist H.L. Menckens Notes On Democracy, originally published in 1926, remains strikingly relevant nearly a century later. Mencken offers sharp and satirical insights into democracy, famously declaring, Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard. He also quips, Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey house. One of the inevitable outcomes of democracy, according to Mencken, is the emergence of the professional politician, whose primary goal is to secure the job rather than uphold any ...

The American Credo A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind, published in 1920, offers a thought-provoking exploration of U.S. politics. This insightful commentary delves into the tribalism fostered by politicians and religious leaders, examines the conflicting definitions of the cherished American ideals, and reflects on the cyclical nature of human history. Join Adrienne Prevost as she unpacks these compelling themes that resonate through time.

In this captivating exploration, the author reflects on years spent immersed in the English language, particularly the notable distinctions between British and American English. From vocabulary and syntax to pronunciation and grammatical nuances, he shares his keen observations shaped by both extensive reading and personal interactions with English speakers. Driven by a passion for understanding these differences, he sought a comprehensive study that could illuminate their origins, only to discover a surprising lack of literature on the topic. Join him as he delves into the rich tapestry of ...

Hear a recorded interview between Donald H. Kirkley and H.L. Mencken, American journalist, essayist, satirist, cultural critic, and scholar of American English.

American author, scholar, and satirist H.L. Mencken wrote The American Language in 1919, intending to defend American speech from prescriptivist critics. "America itself is unutterably vulgar. But vulgarity, after all, means no more than a yielding to natural impulses in the face of conventional inhibitions, and that yielding to natural impulses is at the heart of all healthy language-making."

In this engaging second series, H.L. Mencken delivers his trademark sharp critiques on the follies of humanity—exposing the lack of genuine artistry and compassion in American art and society. He examines the misguided fervor of crusades like Prohibition and adds a humorous twist by exploring the peculiar mating rituals between the sexes. Join Jim Locke as he brings Menckens biting wit and insightful observations to life.

American journalist, essayist, satirist, and cultural critic H.L. Mencken makes his 3-pronged case for the death penalty for those who take the lives of other people, challenging civilized order. Mencken argues the death penalty is a form of catharsis for the immediate victims of the crime, and is not solely for deterring other criminals, but also to give peace of mind to the society that has been wronged.