Damn! A Book of Calumny

Dive into the world of Henry Louis H. L. Mencken (1880 – 1956), a formidable American journalist and essayist known for his sharp wit and incisive critiques of American culture. Often hailed as the Sage of Baltimore, Menckens influence on 20th-century literature is profound. He is best remembered for his groundbreaking work, The American Language, a comprehensive exploration of how English is uniquely spoken across the United States. Mencken also gained notoriety for his satirical coverage of the Scopes trial—dubbed the Monkey trial—where he deftly exposed the absurdities of the era. This podcast invites you to explore Menckens legacy, his views on language, and his unflinching commentary on society.