Damn! A Book of Calumny
Unveiling the Sharp Wit and Iconoclasm of American SocietyBy H. L. Mencken
Length1h 9m
About this audiobook
In "Damn! A Book of Calumny," H. L. Mencken delivers a scathing examination of human folly and societal flaws through a series of essays that blend sharp wit with incisive social commentary. The text showcases Mencken's distinctive literary style, characterized by his sardonic humor and a penchant for acerbic language, placing it firmly within the tradition of early 20th-century American satirical writing. This collection highlights Mencken's disdain for populism, organized religion, and the mediocrity he often perceived in American culture, offering readers a glimpse into the tumultuous social landscape of the 1920s, an era ripe for his particular brand of critique. H. L. Mencken, often referred to as the 'ÄòSage of Baltimore,'Äô was an influential journalist, essayist, and cultural critic whose formative experiences shaped his perspectives on politics and society. Raised in a German-American household, Mencken was well-acquainted with both the cultural nuances of American life and the tensions of a rapidly changing world. His deep-seated skepticism towards democracy and the general populace found vivid expression in this book, as he sought to illuminate the absurdities he observed around him. Readers seeking a biting and unabashed critique of societal norms will find "Damn! A Book of Calumny" to be a compelling exploration of the human condition. Mencken's unapologetic style not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect critically upon their own beliefs. This book serves as a literary provocation that remains relevant and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for those intrigued by the complexities of American culture and the darker aspects of human nature.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.8 (383)
Includes Goodreads
GenrePsychology
Length1 hr 9 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 25, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
14XXXVIII: THE ROAD TO DOUBT
2XXVI: LITERARY INDECENCIES
15XXXIX: A NEW USE FOR CHURCHES
3XXVII: VIRTUOUS VANDALISM
16XL: THE ROOT OF RELIGION
4XXVIII: A FOOTNOTE ON THE DUEL OF SEX
17XLI: FREE WILL
5XXIX: ALCOHOL
18XLII: QUID EST VERITAS?
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6XXX: THOUGHTS ON THE VOLUPTUOUS
19XLIII: THE DOUBTER'S REWARD
7XXXI: THE HOLY ESTATE
20XLIV: BEFORE THE ALTAR
8XXXII: DICHTUNG UND WAHRHEIT
21XLV: THE MASK
9XXXIII: WILD SHOTS
22XLVI: PIA VENEZIANI, POI CRISTIANI
10XXXIV: BEETHOVEN
23XLVII: OFF AGAIN, ON AGAIN
11XXXV: THE TONE ART
24XLVIII: THEOLOGY
12XXXVI: ZOOS
25XLIX: EXEMPLI GRATIA
13XXXVII: ON HEARING MOZART
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