Publisher's Synopsis
In this seventh volume of his writings in the Smart Set, H. L. Mencken continues his lively book review column, covering the novels of F. Scott Fitzgerald, W. L. George, Joseph Hergesheimer, and others. But increasingly, his reviews focus on important works on politics, history, and society by Walter Lippmann, Frank Harris, James Trunslow Adams, Upton Sinclair, and others. He and his co-editor, George Jean Nathan, continue their monthly "Répétition Générale" column of iconoclastic commentary, including a notable passage on the "graveyard of dead gods." There are also several "conversations" between Mencken and Nathan on controversial subjects ranging from clothing to marriage. This volume is also enlivened by a series of piquant prose-poems ranging from "A Panorama of Holy Clerks" (on various types of clergymen) to "Dianthus Caryophyllus" (on red-headed women). Throughout, Mencken displays his penchant for wit, satire, and rollicking humor.
