H.L. Mencken by Vincent Fitzpatrick

by Vincent Fitzpatrick

"This introduction to Mencken's life and work begins with a concise biographical portrait before proceeding to a consideration of the five major periods of the renowned Baltimorean's his literary apprenticeship; the growth of his national reputation; his fame and unprecedented popularity during the 1920s (when college students would flash the Paris-green cover of the American Mercury as a badge of sophistication); the decline of his reputation during the Depression; and his renewed popularity during the 1940s, with the publication of his autobiographical trilogy, the Days books. In discussing this varied career, Vincent Fitzpatrick touches upon all the roles that Mencken journalist; editor; redoubtable critic of literature, culture, and politics; philologist; and autobiographer. Drawing upon Mencken's extensive correspondence of more than 100,000 letters, the book stresses his unflagging belief in the need for free speech (up to the limits of common decency). Indeed, in the end Mencken proved a significant American civil libertarian." Iconoclast, critic, satirist, "individualist," H. L. Mencken offered unique insights into American life. His lifelong celebration of the freedom to dissent marks his most enduring contribution to a nation that gave him such a wealth of material and so much delight.

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtfully crafted, short biography of a unique American who continues to garner attention almost 70 years after his death. As a native Baltimorean, Mencken’s ghost always seemed to hover around the periphery of my city, and reading this book helped me better understand the impact and influence he exercised during his lifetime.

[JW · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant, lightning-fast overview of the iconoclast's career.