Notes on Democracy

The renowned satirist and author of The American Language presents a scathing critique of democracy, demagogues, and politicians of all kinds. H. L. Mencken was one of the greatest contrarian minds of the twentieth century. As a columnist for the Baltimore Sun, he was an outspoken skeptic of America’s most cherished institutions—namely, organized religion and representative democracy. In Notes on Democracy, Mencken presents an incisive critique of how democratic ideals are doomed to fall short in practice. From disproportional representation to rampant political corruption, Mencken’s assessments—first published in 1926—are surprisingly applicable today.