Publisher's Synopsis
This volume of H. L. Mencken's writings consists almost entirely of unsigned editorials, although there is a long and detailed signed article on the Democratic National Convention of 1912, when Woodrow Wilson was nominated. But as Mencken had begun writing his "Free Lance" columns in May 1911, he had little time to write other work aside from these occasional articles on the editorial page. They continue to focus on Mencken's pet subjects: the preeminence of Maryland over other states in the art of cuisine; political shenanigans, both locally and nationally; the urgent need to rid the world of typhoid, cholera, tuberculosis, and other serious diseases; and world affairs, ranging from Canada and Mexico to England, Germany, and China. Other articles exhibit Mencken's continuing interest in drama, the opera, and music in general. Throughout, H. L. Mencken displays the wit, perspicacity, and satirical instincts characteristic of all his writing.
