Prejudices, fourth series

H. L. Mencken returns with his trademark blend of razor‑sharp wit and unapologetic skepticism, taking aim at the self‑congratulatory myths that still shape the United States. In the opening essay he dismantles the notion of an “American tradition” by exposing how democracy, morality and even aesthetics are often reduced to the loudest vote and the heaviest club. His satire cuts through the pomp of academic and political elites, revealing the absurdities that lie beneath patriotic platitudes and cultural gate‑keeping.

The fourth series gathers a diverse array of Mencken’s essays—ranging from the quirks of American language to daring forays into philosophy and social criticism. Readers will encounter his irreverent takes on everything from literary pretensions to the paradoxes of American honor, all delivered in a voice that is both erudite and provocatively playful. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, the collection offers a vivid snapshot of early‑20th‑century America seen through Mencken’s incisive, often mischievous lens.