Professor H L Mencken

Newspaper Work, 1904-1906 Professor H L Mencken

In this volume of Mencken's early journalism, mostly for the Baltimore Herald, we find him coming into his own as a drama critic, with trenchant reviews of plays by Shakespeare, Shaw, and other playwrights. In addition, he writes articles on Sarah Bernhardt, Adelaide Keim, and other leading actresses of the day. We also find penetrating reviews of books by O. Henry, James Huneker, and other authors. And Mencken continues his several columns of humor, poetry, and miscellany-"Notes in the Margin," "Mere Opinion," and others. Beginning in 1905, Mencken wrote anonymous editorials theoretically articulating the official policy of the newspaper, but his editorials are frequently satirical, covering such topics as baldness, marriage (to which he remained unalterably opposed), and national and international politics. In all, this volume displays the fusion of perspicacy, linguistic virtuosity, and satirical flourish that would make Mencken one of the leading journalists of the 20th century.