H. L. Mencken


Henry Louis Mencken (September 12, 1880-January 29, 1956) was an American journalist and satirist who rose from reporter to chief editor of the Baltimore Morning Herald, and eventually the Baltimore Sun when the Herald closed. His most famous work was The American Language (1919), a study of the evolution of the English language in America. In Defense of Women (1918) was greeted by cheers and jeers; he was not in favor of "Women's Rights," yet he extolled the innate wisdom of women and was overtly demeaning of men. His satire frequently targeted American culture and customs, and he is considered one of the most influential American writers of his time.