MENCKEN, H.L

Typed Letter Signed

      ("H.L. Mencken") in black fountain pen ink on engraved H.L. Mencken, 1524 Hollins St., Baltimore letterhead, January 28 [no year, but circa 1924/25]. 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; very good. To M.R. Werner "Dear Mr. Werner: The Jack London scheme looks very promising. You should, in fact, do a whole book on him after you finish with Brigham Young. The literature on him is very bad. His wife's two books simply gurgle. He was ruined, of course, by money -- the god of the Socialists living like a feudal baron on a $250,000 estate! The man, I believe, was more interesting than his books. Getting the latter would probably be difficult; many of them are out of print. But I suppose they are in most public libraries. Why not give us a chance at some of your Young stuff? Or is it otherwise disposed of? I'd be delighted to print an article on that great and puissant man. Sincerely yours." M.R. Werner's book on Brigham Young was published in 1925. For Mencken on Jack London, see "Prejudices" (first series) 1919, pages 236-239. Mencken (1880-1956), American iconoclastic journalist and prolific writer; on staff of various Baltimore newspapers from 1899; founded, with George Jean Nathan, "American Mercury" (1924); dubbed "The Sage of Baltimore.". Signed by Author(s). F. Soft cover.