Description:

Mencken Henry

Typed half-page TLS signed by American man of letters H.L. Mencken as H.L. Mencken at bottom right, on “H.L. Mencken, 704 Cathedral St., Baltimore” letterhead. Printed on cream paper. In near fine condition, with expected paper folds and minor loss to upper right corner edge. Half-page measures 8.25” x 5.5”.

Famous people, especially widely recognized social critics, are often canvassed for their opinion. Evidently Mencken had been approached to weigh in on the role of clergymen's spouses in contemporary American life. Mencken's recipient "Mrs. Stoneham" planned to communicate his opinion to an audience of unnamed "sisters".

Mencken's January 16, 1934 response began in a characteristically snarky way: "Never having been either a clergyman or a wife, I am probably disqualified to speak with any authority". Yet by the conclusion of Mencken's letter, he emphasized how much he truly admired clergymen's spouses. "She [the clergyman's wife] is the only woman, save the wife of the President of the United States, who must stand side by side with her husband in the full glare of the limelight, and share to the utmost all his public vicissitudes." Mencken's parting comment about being a heathen is only partly tongue and cheek, as he was a vocal religious skeptic and atheist.

Henry Louis Mencken (1880-1956) was considered the leading wit of the early twentieth century, known for his caustic critiques of contemporary life. The novelist, poet, playwright, and essayist started his writing career as a Baltimore journalist before sharpening his teeth as a literary critic for journals like The American Mercury. Mencken also legitimized American English through his comprehensive study of nationally specific usages and slang in his 1919 The American Language.

An eloquent TLS from the “American Nietzsche”!

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