Author
H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
1880-1956
H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken (1880-1956) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
The American Language A Preliminary Inquiry into the Development of English in the United States
"The American Language" by H. L. Mencken is a book published in 1919 that examines English as spoken in the United States. Inspired by street argot and Mark Twain, Mencken defended American speech against British critics who dismissed it as a corruption of proper English. He argued that American English was more colorful and creative than its counterpart across the Atlantic. The work explores American variations, names, and slang, challenging prescriptive grammar rules and celebrating how language evolves independently of textbooks.
The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche
"The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche" by H. L. Mencken is a book published in 1908. It offers an early American examination of Nietzsche's life and ideas, covering both familiar and obscure aspects of the German philosopher's work. Mencken immersed himself in Nietzsche's writings, even translating "The Antichrist" himself. While some biographical details and interpretations are now considered flawed, the book became influential in introducing Nietzsche to English-speaking audiences and possibly launched American Nietzsche scholarship.
Damn! A Book of Calumny
"Damn! A Book of Calumny" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This work explores various facets of society and culture, often with a critical, satirical lens on themes such as morality, humor, art, and the absurdities of human behavior. Mencken's distinctive voice and sharp wit are likely to engage readers interested in social commentary and literary criticism. The opening of the book introduces Mencken's provocative style, where he examines figures like George Washington and critiques contemporary societal norms. In particular, he portrays Washington not as a revered hero but as a flawed individual who would be vilified and misunderstood by modern standards. Mencken's arguments set the tone for the collection, showcasing his penchant for dissecting accepted beliefs and the hypocrisies within society, hinting at a broader analysis of human nature and civilization throughout the book.
Prejudices, first series
"Prejudices, First Series" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The work critiques various cultural and literary figures, showcasing Mencken's biting wit and critical perspective on American society and its literary landscape. The central themes revolve around the role of the critic, the nature of literature, and the pulse of American thought during a time of significant social change. The opening of the collection begins with a discussion of literary criticism, where Mencken highlights the ongoing debate among critics about the function and purpose of criticism itself. He refers to Major J. E. Spingarn's views on the critic's role, arguing that a critic should focus on understanding an artist's true intentions rather than imposing moral or aesthetic judgments. Mencken critiques the varying schools of thought within literary criticism, illustrating his disdain for those who use rigid standards to evaluate art, and ultimately advocating for a more nuanced and personal interpretation of artistic works. This sets the tone for the pieces that follow, as Mencken continues to explore themes of authenticity, moral pretentiousness, and the essence of American culture through his incisive critiques of both individuals and overarching societal trends.
Prejudices, third series
"Prejudices, Third Series" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The work reflects Mencken's critical perspectives on American society, politics, and culture, with a distinctive satirical tone. His thoughts revolve around his disdain for what he perceives as mediocrity and hypocrisy prevalent in American life." The opening of "Prejudices, Third Series" begins with Mencken's reflections on the discontent expressed by many intellectuals about life in America, as they seek refuge in foreign lands. He associates himself with these sentiments, lamenting the incompetence and corruption of the U.S. government and its judicial system, while also expressing a sense of loyalty to his nation. Mencken delineates his own definition of happiness, suggesting that being well-fed, feeling superior to the masses, and finding amusement in daily life contributes to one’s contentment. He avers that, despite the flaws he sees in the American character and governance, he remains cheerfully engaged with the nation, viewing it as a grand spectacle that amuses him with its absurdities and follies. This sets the stage for a wider exploration of Mencken's views on various cultural and societal issues in subsequent essays.
In Defense of Women
"In Defense of Women" by H. L. Mencken is a book published in 1918 examining women and relations between the sexes. This provocative work has sparked contradictory responses—some view it as progressive, others as reactionary. Mencken portrays women as wiser than men in many ways while critiquing average males, yet he also envisions women remaining in traditional domestic roles. The book explores topics like marriage, emancipation, and suffrage with characteristic irony, making it unclear whether Mencken truly defends women or satirizes gender dynamics altogether.
George Bernard Shaw: His Plays
"George Bernard Shaw: His Plays" by H. L. Mencken is a critical study published in 1905. This pioneering work offers Mencken's analysis and interpretation of Shaw's dramatic works, marking the first book about Shaw written in the United States. Published when Shaw was still a controversial figure in America, Mencken's study helped introduce and popularize the Irish playwright to American audiences, shaping both Mencken's career and Shaw's American reception.
Prejudices, fourth series
"Prejudices, Fourth Series" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of critical essays written in the early 20th century. Mencken, known for his acerbic wit and sharp observations, explores a range of topics including American culture, literature, politics, and the prevailing social mores of his time. This series serves as a platform for his contrarian views and pointed critiques of American society, particularly the intellectualism and moral standards that he finds lacking. The opening of this work introduces the theme of "The American Tradition" and critiques the notion that American literature is defined by its conformity to a supposed cultural standard. Mencken discusses the rise of a so-called "American tradition" in letters, arguing that it is not rooted in the true accomplishments of American writers but rather in a misguided attempt to impose a homogenized view of art and culture. He examines the influences of figures like Dr. William Crary Brownell and critiques their perspectives, portraying them as emblematic of a larger movement that resists the individuality celebrated by authors such as Emerson, Hawthorne, and Whitman. Mencken's disdain for mediocrity and his insistence on the importance of artistic freedom set the tone for the essays that follow.
Prejudices, second series
"Prejudices, Second Series" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of critical essays written in the early 20th century. The work delves into various facets of American culture, particularly literature, critiquing the mediocrity and lack of depth he perceives within it. Mencken writes with sharp wit and unapologetic candor, addressing topics such as American literature's failure to produce a distinctive voice and how the country's societal structure stifles intellectualism. At the start of the volume, Mencken examines the lofty aspirations of past literary figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Whitman, contrasting their optimistic visions for American literature with what he sees as the disheartening reality of mediocrity that has ensued. He articulates his discontent with the state of national letters, claiming a pervasive superficiality among contemporary authors and a cultural reluctance to confront deeper truths. This opening section sets the tone for a critical exploration of American artistic and intellectual life, establishing Mencken’s perspective as one that challenges conventional views and celebrates intellectual rigor over societal pleasantries.
Notes on democracy
"Notes on Democracy" by H. L. Mencken is a political critique published in 1926. The book dissects democracy's failures, dividing political leaders into two types: demagogues who deceive idiots with lies, and demaslaves who pretend to believe those same idiots. Mencken portrays politicians as men who've traded honor for power. This fierce polemic attacks the democratic tradition through ridicule, though critics note Mencken's contrast between sordid reality and his imagined ideal society reveals the work's central weakness.
A Book of Prefaces
"A Book of Prefaces" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of essays published in 1917. This provocative work attacks American culture, literary movements, and Puritan influences on American letters. Mencken devotes essays to Theodore Dreiser, Joseph Conrad, and James Gibbons Huneker before unleashing his most controversial piece on Puritanism as a stifling literary force. The book sparked outrage among academics and defenders of American culture, yet inspired future writers like Richard Wright and marked a turning point in Mencken's career as America's most fearless cultural critic.
Prejudices, fifth series
"Prejudices, Fifth Series" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The text presents Mencken's bold and often controversial opinions on various social, political, and cultural issues of his time. He delves into topics such as birth control, moral legislation, and the nature of war, showcasing his critical perspective on American society and its hypocrisies. The opening of the text introduces Mencken's critique of the failed attempts to suppress birth control advocacy in the U.S., emphasizing the contrast between the behavior of the educated elite and the rural populace regarding government oversight and social mores. He illustrates how the birth controllers, despite legal challenges and societal disapproval, have gained unexpected support from those who value free thought and individual rights, suggesting a deeper cultural conflict. Additionally, Mencken uses humor and incisive observation to argue against moral legislation, which he perceives as ineffective and counterproductive, setting the stage for a broader discourse on the complexities of freedom, morality, and societal norms.
Europe After 8:15
"Europe After 8:15" by H. L. Mencken, George Jean Nathan, and Willard Huntington Wright is a travelogue written in the early 20th century. The work consists of a series of observational essays exploring various European cities, particularly focusing on the experiences and perceptions of American travelers. It likely provides a mix of humor and criticism as it reflects on cultural contrasts and the quirks of European life compared to American sensibilities. The opening of the book sets the stage in the picturesque Hungerberg at Innsbruck, where two American men, engaged in casual banter, discuss their travel experiences across Europe. Their dialogue reveals a blend of humor, skepticism, and a critical view of the costs and culinary offerings of their travels, including their experiences on European cruise ships. As they admire the breathtaking Alpine scenery, they navigate through various anecdotes, touching upon the cultural misunderstandings and idiosyncrasies inherent in their observations of Europe, preparing readers for a journey that blends landscape with the intricate dynamics of travel and personal interaction.
A Book of Burlesques
"A Book of Burlesques" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of satirical essays and dramatic sketches written in the early 20th century. This compilation showcases Mencken's wit and critique of American culture, touching upon various social themes through humorous and often absurd scenarios. The book likely appeals to readers interested in sharp social commentary wrapped in clever prose. The beginning of "A Book of Burlesques" introduces several skits that reflect on the futility and absurdity of life, starting with a philosophical discussion about death occurring in a gloomy back parlor. Characters such as pallbearers engage in trivial gossip at a funeral, humorously revealing their discomfort and ignorance about death. This sets a tone for the subsequent pieces, which are expected to offer a mix of critique and comedy, digging into societal norms and practices while maintaining a light-hearted style. The opening is a clever prelude that hints at Mencken's blend of sophistication and irreverence that characterizes the entire collection.
Ventures Into Verse Being various ballads, ballades, rondeaux, triolets, songs, quatrains, odes and roundels, all rescued from the potters' field of old files and here given decent burial
"Ventures Into Verse" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of poetry written during the early 20th century. This work comprises various forms of verse including ballads, rondeaux, and odes that reflect on themes such as life, war, and love, showcasing Mencken's sharp wit and commentary on society. The likely topic of the book revolves around a blend of romanticism, satire, and critique of modern life and civilization. The poems in "Ventures Into Verse" explore a range of subjects, from the valor and brutality of war to nuanced reflections on love and beauty. For instance, poems like "The Song of the Olden Time" romanticize the notion of battle, while "The Transport Gen'ral Ferguson" offers a sardonic view of military life and its casualties. Mencken employs a diverse stylistic approach, combining humor with serious undertones, as seen in poems such as "A War Song" and "The Filipino Maiden." Through clever rhymes and sometimes whimsical narratives, he captures the complexities of human experience and societal norms, making the collection both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Heliogabalus: A Buffoonery in Three Acts
"Heliogabalus: A Buffoonery in Three Acts" by H. L. Mencken and George Jean Nathan is a satirical play written in the early 20th century. It depicts the decadent and chaotic court life of Emperor Heliogabalus, exploring themes of excess, power, and absurdity. The central character, Heliogabalus, is portrayed as a whimsical ruler whose erratic behavior leads to comedic confrontations, especially in relation to his many wives and his personal health crises. The opening of the play sets the stage in the imperial palace, introducing Heliogabalus and his court through a humorous exchange between his physicians, Piso and Polorus, discussing the emperor's ailments amid the backdrop of a New Year’s Eve banquet. As the physicians await the Emperor's entrance, comedic elements arise from their banter and the contrasting characters of the empress, Paula, who laments about her husband's state and their young wife, Lucia, who enters the scene. This blend of historical context, witty dialogue, and over-the-top characters establishes a lively tone that promises to explore the absurdities of imperial rule and human folly as the narrative unfolds.
Pistols for two
"Pistols for Two" by H. L. Mencken and George Jean Nathan is a collection of character sketches and biographical snippets, likely penned in the early 20th century, specifically around the time of World War I. This book delves into the idiosyncrasies and eccentricities of its subjects, particularly the lives and personalities of the two notable American literary figures, Nathan and Mencken. The primary theme revolves around exploring the complexity of human identity and the intricacies involved in understanding one's character beyond surface-level perceptions. The content of "Pistols for Two" consists of a series of detailed and often humorous character sketches that illustrate the personal and professional lives of George Jean Nathan and H. L. Mencken. It showcases their quirks, preferences, and notable achievements in distinctive style, employing a tone that is both witty and insightful. Through various anecdotes and observations, Hatteras shares a glimpse of their editorial work at "The Smart Set" magazine, revealing not only their editorial processes but also their personal philosophies. The book thus serves as both a tribute to the two men and a broader commentary on the nature of biography and criticism, highlighting the notion that understanding individuals involves piecing together fleeting impressions rather than crafting a singular narrative.