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Throughout his career as a literary critic, H. L. Mencken was intent on elevating the bold, the daring, and the innovative over the hackneyed, the trite, and the superficial, and his drama criticism exhibits this tendency to the fullest. Though known primarily as a newspaperman and commentator, Mencken also wrote several one-act plays, as well as a full-length work. In The Collected Drama of H. L. Mencken: Plays and Criticism, S. T. Joshi has assembled for the first time Mencken’s dramatic works, comprising six one-act plays and the lengthy three-act play Heliogabalus. These plays, which have never been reprinted since their original appearances in newspapers or in Mencken’s early volume A Book of Burlesques (1916), exhibit Mencken’s penchant for satire and ridicule. Several of the plays, such as In the Vestry Room and The Wedding: A Stage Direction, display Mencken’s oft-expressed cynicism about the institution of marriage. Another related play is Asepsis, a satire on exaggerated concerns about sexual health in young married couples. Other plays take aim at the cultural deficiencies of the common people, such as Death: A Philosophical Discussion, which relays the hackneyed reactions of a group of mourners over the death of a friend. Mencken’s most significant play by far is Heliogabalus, a play he co-wrote with his frequent collaborator, George Jean Nathan, in which Mencken expresses his scorn of the Christian religion. The second half of this book features a selection of Mencken’s early writings (1905–17) on drama, most of which have never been reprinted. Various essays on Shakespeare, Shaw, Synge, Strindberg, Ibsen, and others exhibit Mencken’s keenness as a literary critic and his understanding of the aesthetic possibilities of the drama. With an introduction by the editor who provides an overview of Mencken’s work as a dramatist and drama critic, this collection will be of interest to amateur and even professional drama companies, theatre historians, and of course, anyone interested in the writings of Mencken.
The Collected Works of H. L. Mencken, coalesced under the meticulous eye of George Jean Nathan, represents a seminal anthology in American literary criticism and social commentary. The collection spans a wide array of themes, from biting satirical critiques of American culture and politics to keen observations on the human condition, all articulated through Menckens famously acerbic wit and Nathans discerning editorial oversight. The diversity in literary stylesranging from essays and prefaces to reviewsserves not only as a testament to Mencken's versatility but also underscores the enduring relevance of his insights into early 20th-century American society. The editors and contributors, Mencken himself and Nathan, stand as colossal figures in American literature and journalism, each bringing a unique but harmoniously aligned perspective to the anthology. Their backgrounds, deeply rooted in the rich soil of the American cultural and literary landscape of the early twentieth century, illuminate the historical and cultural underpinnings of the period. This collection, therefore, acts not only as a repository of Menckens critical legacy but also as a reflection of the broader literary movements and cultural shifts of the era. This anthology is recommended for readers who seek to immerse themselves in the depth and diversity of early 20th-century American thought. Through The Collected Works of H. L. Mencken, one gains unparalleled access to a spectrum of intellectual discourse, encapsulating the spirit of an era defined by its bold criticisms and equally compelling visions for the future. It is an essential read for those who wish to explore the multifaceted insights and the dynamic interplay between Menckens incisive prose and Nathans editorial acumen.
The 'H. L. Mencken - Premium Collection' stands as a monumental anthology that showcases the rich tapestry of early 20th-century American literature and criticism. Within its pages, readers are introduced to a diverse range of stylistic mastery and thematic exploration, epitomized by the distinct voices of George Jean Nathan and H. L. Mencken themselves. This collection offers a comprehensive look at the American cultural landscape during a transformative era, presenting standout pieces that challenge, entertain, and provoke thought. Their works serve as a testament to the vibrancy of literary and journalistic craftsmanship, illuminating the period's complexities and nuances. George Jean Nathan and H. L. Mencken, both titan figures in American literature and journalism, bring together a fusion of critical essays, satires, and reviews that reflect their unparalleled wit and insight. Their collaborations and individual contributions mark a significant era in American letters, aligning with movements such as the Progressive Era's push for social and political reform. Through their critical lenses, this collection not only celebrates their literary genius but also underscores their influence on thought and culture, highlighting their commitment to intellectual rigor and the candid examination of society. 'The H. L. Mencken - Premium Collection' offers readers an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in the works of two of America's most formidable writers and critics. It is an indispensable volume for those who wish to delve deeper into the heart of American cultural criticism and the art of eloquent, fearless writing. This anthology is not just a celebration of Nathan and Mencken's legacy; it is an invitation to explore a pivotal period in literature through the eyes of its most perceptive observers. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone with a keen interest in the evolution of American thought and prose.
Some of the most raucous evenings in the history of theater are chronicled in this lively discussion of occasions when theater-makers changed the course of theatrical, and sometimes world, history. Covering a wide range of events from the inauspicious opening of Oedipus Rexin Athens, to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C., to the violence-riddled performance of Halla Bol in New Delhi, this book offers detailed and studied observations of specific minutes, hours, and days on the stage. For each staging covered, the author examines the reactions of critics and the public and tells the inside story, identifies the key players, and examines why these events still resound today.
By tracing the effects of unprecedented immigration, the advent of the new woman, and the little-known vaudeville careers of performers like the Elinore Sisters, Buster Keaton, and the Marx Brothers, DesRochers examines the relation between comedic vaudeville acts and progressive reformers as they fought over the new definition of "Americanness."
Welcome the long overdue re-release of Mencken's continual war against conventional thinking.
"Readers drawn to the "Roaring Twenties," gossip about the Great White Way, discussion of high, middle, and low-brow culture will seek out this book."--BOOK JACKET.
If you are looking to brush up on your literary knowledge, check a favorite author's work, or see a year's bestsellers at a glance, The Chronology of American Literature is the perfect resource. At once an authoritative reference and an ideal browser's guide, this book outlines the indispensable information in America's rich literary past--from major publications to lesser-known gems--while also identifying larger trends along the literary timeline. Who wrote the first published book in America? When did Edgar Allan Poe achieve notoriety as a mystery writer? What was Hemingway's breakout title? With more than 8,000 works by 5,000 authors, The Chronology makes it easy to find answers to these questions and more. Authors and their works are grouped within each year by category: fiction and nonfiction; poems; drama; literary criticism; and publishing events. Short, concise entries describe an author's major works for a particular year while placing them within the larger context of that writer's career. The result is a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of some of America's most prominent writers. Perhaps most important, The Chronology offers an invaluable line through our literary past, tying literature to the American experience--war and peace, boom and bust, and reaction to social change. You'll find everything here from Benjamin Franklin's "Experiments and Observations on Electricity," to Davy Crockett's first memoir; from Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" to Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome; from meditations by James Weldon Johnson and James Agee to poetry by Elizabeth Bishop. Also included here are seminal works by authors such as Rachel Carson, Toni Morrison, John Updike, and Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Lavishly illustrated--and rounded out with handy bestseller lists throughout the twentieth century, lists of literary awards and prizes, and authors' birth and death dates--The Chronology of American Literature belongs on the shelf of every bibliophile and literary enthusiast. It is the essential link to our literary past and present.