Popular and influential American author and journalist (1880–1956) best known for his satirical pieces that took aim at contemporary American society. TLS signed “Mencken,” one page, 5.25 x 8.25, The American Mercury letterhead, December 3. Letter to a friend. In full: “The MacFadden Breck is surely tempting, but I keep you away from it for a plain reason. You yourself now find that the Methodists hail you as a brother. I fear that they’d use anything I printed to promote their idiotic Clean Books Bill. But I have written an article for the World. Dec. 20, discussing the present situation. Judge is barred from the mails for a few harmless jocosities, and the MacFadden rubbish goes through without challenge. God knows, we meet too seldom. I congratulate you upon getting over the South of France disease. I greatly dislike the privies down there. How are you feeling?” In fine condition, with a light diagonal crease to lower right corner. RR Auction COA.
