Mencken Prejudices V58
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Book Overview
In six volumes of Prejudices published between 1919 and 1927, H. L. Mencken collected some of the best essays he ever wrote and established the style that made him a titan of the free press. Thirty... This description may be from another edition of this product.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0394700589
ISBN13:9780394700588
Release Date:February 1958
Publisher:Vintage Books USA
Length:258 Pages
Weight:0.25 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 4.3" x 7.1"
Related Subjects
20th Century Classics Criticism & Theory Essays Essays & Correspondence History History & Criticism Humor Humor & Entertainment Humorous Journalism & Nonfiction Language Arts Literary Literary Criticism Literary Criticism & Collections Literature Literature & Fiction State & Local WritingCustomer Reviews
3 ratings
Best Of Mencken
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
These are some of Mencken's best essays collated together by an HLM aficionado and scholar, James Farrell. The muckraker/libertarian/critic/journalist/satirist is in top form as he rips into everyone from Teddy Roosevelt to chiropractors, and every institution from the American Legion to democracy in general and American democracy in particular. Mencken's rich, inimitable stylistic flourishes complement his acerbic, lacerating wit. He criticizes criticism--and criticism of criticism. He takes on the South in the classic "The Sahara of the Bozart"--not ad hominem, but cultural criticism of a bastardized postbellum region, with fair regard for the genteel culture and society of its past. A cynic through and through, Mencken nevertheless displays his ability to appreciate the bright rays peaking through massive gray clouds--Whitman, Conrad, and Twain, among others. The book is well edited and gives us a wonderful picture of a scribe at the height of his powers--in style and substance.
If it weren't for Mencken, I'd go nuts
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Mencken helps to keeps me sane. When I can no longer stomach euphemisms, political correctness or the praise of mediocrity, along comes Harry to slay the idleheaded icons of modern American society. He accomplishes the task as effortlessly today as he did in the 1920s. It shows he was either ahead of his time, or things never really change. While those not familiar with Mencken might be unacquainted with some of those harpooned by him, a little research and reading will clear up the unfamiliarity. As for Mencken's style, vocabulary and content, one word describes them: priceless. Prejudices and Mencken's Chrestomathy should be required reading in every school across the nation. This book, like most of his writings, is not for the weak, for those easily offended or those who measure all things with the modern yardstick of self-righteous indignation. These people will be screaming half way into the first page. Keep your generals, kings and the like. If there were one person from the past I could sit with over a schooner of beer it would be the Sage of Baltimore.
A Classic!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I have recently finished "Prejudices," by H.L. Mencken. I knew little of the author, save that which I had gleaned by reading one of his other books ("A Discourse on the Gods," I think it was.) But, after coming away from the Satanic wag's essays, I am inclined to accord him a place in the pantheon right next to Nietzsche, Mark Twain and Socrates. An evil, little man! Acerbic, brilliant, roaringly funny! History buffs will appreciate the insight these essays will give on the values and mores of the Early 20th Century and the light his intelligence throws upon the world around him--and around us today. Because, as it turns out, the greatest accomplishment of this witty court jester, this slayer of phonies and defender of common sense is his talent for uncovering atemporal, universal principles which are as true today as they were a hundred years ago . . . or a thousand! A brilliant work from a glowing mind, the secret thrill in reading it is seeing how little everything has changed and what a short distance we've really come since the Age of Troglodytes.
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