September 12th, 2012 marked the 132nd anniversary of the birth of H.L. Mencken, the influential writer, journalist, satirist and social critic known as the “Sage of Baltimore,” who died at the age of 75 in 1956.
The Sun’s Frederick Rasmussen talks about Mencken’s life and work, discussing the Scopes Trial, bathtub hoax, Mencken’s first beer after the repeal of Prohibition, his coverage of presidential nominating conventions and more.
Rasmussen opens the video as follows:
Henry Louis Mencken was born and raised in Baltimore, grew up in Union Square, and of course went on to become a celebrated American journalist. Years earlier he had written in his epitaph, which is:
“If, after I depart this vale, you ever remember me and have thought to please my ghost, forgive some sinner and wink your eye at some homely girl.”
Watch the video at The Baltimore Sun.
