Mencken's Americana

"During the 1920s there was an American magazine that was required reading by those who thought of themselves as enlightened individuals. This publication was the American Mercury and to many it was the Bible of nonconformist thought. It was edited by H. L. Mencken (1880-1956), the most colorful, bombastic, iconoclastic writer, reporter, and critic of the day and, it could be argued, since. It could also be argued that he was the twentieth century's greatest wit. Few writers hold up today and provide as many belly laughs as does Mencken. The magazine was edited by Mencken (and theatre critic George Jean Nathan during its first year) from January 1924 until December 1933." "By far the Mercury's most popular section was a regular feature Mencken entitled "Americana." This department featured a wide assortment of newspaper clippings, wire reports, church bulletins, publicity releases, and other sources which depicted various individuals and organizations - frequently of rural origin - in the throes of some foolish action which Mencken deemed ludicrous enough for its inclusion."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved