H. L. Mencken Biography

Early Life and Education
Henry Louis Mencken, referred to as H. L. Mencken, was born upon September 12, 1880, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He was the eldest child of August Mencken Sr., a thriving stogie manufacturer, and Anna Margaret Mencken (née Abhau). Mencken grew up in a comfy, middle-class family in the Union Square section of Baltimore. He was of German descent and held a deep appreciation for his heritage throughout his life.

Mencken attended the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, an engineering school, from which he finished as valedictorian in 1896. Although his initial interest was in ending up being a chemist, he quickly recognized that his real passion was in writing, particularly after checking out Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn". Regardless of his official training in the sciences, Mencken pursued a career in journalism-- a choice that would form his life and tradition.

Profession Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Mencken's journalism profession began in 1899 when he signed up with the Baltimore Morning Herald as a reporter. Over the next few years, his skills and decision led him to move through the ranks, becoming the city editor and eventually its managing editor. His work throughout this duration was marked by an unique style-- sharp, insightful, and typically iconoclastic-- attributes that would specify his later work.

In 1906, he joined the personnel of The Baltimore Sun, a paper with which he was associated for much of his life. Mencken's composing at The Sun, and later on at The Evening Sun, showcased his skill for commentary on American life and politics.

Literary Criticism and American Journalism
Mencken got national notoriety through his work as a literary critic, contributing to The Smart Set magazine and co-founding The American Mercury with George Jean Nathan. Both publications ended up being platforms for Mencken's incisive critiques of American society, politics, and culture throughout the early 20th century.

Mencken was a prominent voice of allure Age and was especially understood for his criticism of puritanism and the American middle class, coining the term "booboisie" to explain the bourgeoisie he so frequently lampooned. He supported freedom of expression and was a staunch advocate of civil liberties, frequently using his sharp wit to critique censorship and the narrow-mindedness he viewed in American society.

Notable Works and Contributions
Among Mencken's noteworthy works is "The American Language", a thorough research study of how the English language is spoken in the United States. First published in 1919, this work went through several iterations and growths, reflecting Mencken's deep interest in linguistics and American culture.

He likewise wrote numerous essays and collections, consisting of "Prejudices", a series of 6 volumes released in between 1919 and 1927, which provided a vibrant, critical view of American life and politics. Mencken's writing style, frequently defined by its eloquence and biting satire, made him both acclaim and debate.

Relationships and Personal Life
In his personal life, Mencken was known for his complex yet frequently inconsistent views. He kept relationships with a number of prominent literary and cultural figures of his time, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Theodore Dreiser, despite his often sarcastic critiques of their work.

In 1930, Mencken wed Sara Haardt, a writer and professor who influenced his life exceptionally regardless of their reasonably brief marriage due to her death from meningitis in 1935. Their relationship softened a few of Mencken's harsher edges, and he expressed profound grief at her loss.

Later Years and Legacy
In the later years of his life, Mencken's output decreased substantially after he suffered a stroke in 1948 that left him with aphasia. Not able to compose or speak as he when had, he invested the rest of his years in relative peaceful at his Baltimore home up until his death on January 29, 1956.

H. L. Mencken's tradition is complex. He is kept in mind as one of the most influential American authors and critics of the early 20th century, a champ of totally free speech, and a keen observer of the American experience. His works continue to be studied and debated, showing the long-lasting impact of his contributions to journalism, literature, and the cultural critique of his age.

Our collection contains 124 quotes who is written / told by L. Mencken, under the main topics: Love - Politics - History - Marriage - Men.

Related authors: Mark Twain (Author), Ambrose Bierce (Journalist), P. J. O'Rourke (Journalist), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Author), George Jean Nathan (Editor), Ice T (Musician), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Theodore Dreiser (Novelist)

• Q: h.l. mencken funny quotes
  A: "A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin."
• Q: h.l. mencken quotes on elections
  A: "Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods."
• Q: h.l. mencken last words
  A: H.L. Mencken's last words were reportedly about his disbelief in the afterlife, though the exact phrasing is uncertain.
• Q: H.L. Mencken political views
  A: Mencken held libertarian views, was critical of democracy and government, and often expressed skepticism about the ability of the masses to govern effectively.
• Q: h.l. mencken quotes democracy
  A: "Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard."
• Q: what is h.l. mencken most famous for
  A: H.L. Mencken is most famous for his satirical writings and as a journalist known for his critiques on American culture and politics.
• Q: How old was H. L. Mencken?
  A: He became 75 years old

• 1917 A Book of Prefaces (Book)
• 1918 In Defense of Women (Book)
• 1919 Prejudices: First Series (Book)
• 1919 The American Language (Book)
• 1920 Prejudices: Second Series (Book)
• 1926 Notes on Democracy (Book)

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