On Politics: A Carnival of Buncombe (Maryland Paperback Bookshelf) - Softcover

Mencken, H. L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801853427 ISBN 13: 9780801853425

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996

Synopsis

"Has the art of politics no apparent utility? Does it appear to be unqualifiedly ratty, raffish, sordid, obscene, and low down, and its salient virtuousi a gang of unmitigated scoundrels? Then let us not forget its high capacity to soothe and tickle the midriff, its incomparable services as a maker of entertainment."―-from On Politics

With a style that combined biting sarcasm with the "language of the free lunch counter," Mencken shook politics and politicians for nearly half a century. The political arena afforded Mencken a special opportunity to showcase his talents. He despised pretentiousness and hypocrisy and found numerous, easy targets among politicians. But while he could be merciless in attacking local and national leaders, Mencken always interspersed his scathing commentaries with entertaining exaggerations and high humor. This collection of seventy political pieces drawn from Mencken's famous Monday columns in the Baltimore Evening Sun during the twenties and thirties shows the "Sage of Baltimore" at his satirical best. While social attitudes may have changed, the value of Mencken's words on American politics offers us a timeless perspective.

About this title

Book Description:

This collection of seventy political pieces drawn from Mencken's famous Monday columns in the Baltimore Evening Sun during the twenties and thirties shows the Sage of Baltimore at his satirical best.

From the Back Cover:

With a style that combined biting sarcasm with the "language of the free lunch counter", Mencken shook politics and politicians for nearly half a century. The political arena afforded Mencken a special opportunity to showcase his talents. He despised hypocrisy and found numerous easy targets among politicians. But while he could be merciless in attacking local and national leaders, Mencken always interspersed his scathing commentaries with entertaining exaggeration and high humor. This collection of seventy political pieces, drawn from Mencken's famous Monday columns in the Baltimore Evening Sun during the twenties and thirties, shows the "Sage of Baltimore" at his satirical best. While social attitudes may have changed, the value of Mencken's words on American politics offers us a timeless perspective.

About this edition

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0801853427
• ISBN 13: 9780801853425
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 377