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

What happens when political survival matters more than principle? In Politics, legendary American journalist and cultural critic H. L. Mencken turns his famously sharp wit toward Congress, political machines, elections, and the people who make their careers within them. With characteristic...

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."

Originally published in 1918, 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...

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...

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 ...

Venture into a realm where language dances and emotions weave through stanzas, as the title suggests. This podcast invites you to explore the beauty of verse, celebrating the rhythm and artistry of poetry in its many forms. Each episode features a new complete audiobook, presenting a rotating collection that captures the essence of human experience, from the whimsical to the profound. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations, where listeners can immerse themselves in the diverse voices and styles that poetry offers. Discover the power of words as they paint vivid images ...

“Democracy came into the Western World to the tune of sweet, soft music. There was, at the start, no harsh bawling from below; there was only a dulcet twittering from above.” When H. L. Mencken wrote Notes on Democracy the country was coping with the aftermath of World War I, contending with...

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

Mencken sharpens his pen and in a collection of short essays delivers acerbic opinions on issues and persons of the time. Among his targets in this volume (the first of six) are critics, H.G. Wells Thorstein Veblen, Arnold Bennett, William Dean Howells, Irvin S. Cobb. Mencken's critiques are delivered against a background of his own well known ethnic, racial, religious, and sectional prejudices. (It is said that the only thing Mencken loved about the Southern United States was his wife, who hailed from Alabama.) Not for the faint of heart, Mencken's prickly, yet unapologetic, prose reveals a ...

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. ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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.

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.