H. L. Mencken

NPR

Published December 18, 2002 at 12:00 AM EST

H.L. Mencken was a columnist, author, editor and linguist. A recently opened large cache of his private papers provides new insight into the life and thoughts of the influential literary journalist. Tom Vitale reports.

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner in critical condition

Anastasia Tsioulcas

Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was hospitalized after collapsing in prison. Her family says her condition has deteriorated since a March heart attack.
NPR News

Opinion: The everyday tragedy of gun violence

Scott Simon

The White House Correspondents Association Dinner was one of several incidents of gun violence in the U.S. last week. Others ended in injuries and fatalities.
NPR News

On "SANGÚ," Arturo Sandoval reaches back and pays it forward

Ryan Benk, Scott Simon

For more than 60 years, this maestro of magic has collaborated with towering figures. Now on a new record, he turns to family.
A federal appeals court restricts access to abortion pills via telehealth

Selena Simmons-Duffin, Scott Simon

A panel of judges in Louisiana has just ended telemedicine access to the abortion pill mifepristone nationally.
Federal debt exceeds $39 trillion for the 1st time. Why is this milestone significant?

Scott Horsley, Scott Simon

The federal debt passed an uncomfortable milestone this year, outgrowing the entire U.S. economy. That poses risks, but policymakers show little sign of addressing it.