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H. L. Mencken
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Notes on Democracy Hardcover – November 4, 2008

by H. L. Mencken (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 24 ratings
Democracy came into the Western World to the tune of sweet, soft music. There was, at the start, no harsh bawling from below there was only a dulcet twittering from above. Democratic man thus began as an ideal being, full of ineffable virtues and romantic wrongs in brief, as Rousseau's noble savage in smock and jerkin, brought out of the tropical wilds to shame the lords and masters of the civilized lands. The fact continues to have important consequences to this day. It remains impossible, as it was in the eighteenth century, to separate the democratic idea from the theory that there is a mystical merit, an esoteric and ineradicable rectitude, in the man at the bottom of the scale - that inferiority, by some strange magic, becomes a sort of superiority - nay, the superiority of superiorities.
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  1. Print length
    232 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Read Books
  4. Publication date
    November 4, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.69 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1443726370
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1443726375
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Read Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 4, 2008
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1443726370
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1443726375
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.69 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 24 ratings

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H. L. Mencken

H. L. Mencken

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4.3 out of 5 stars
24 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Stephen F Lambert
    5.0 out of 5 stars The incomparable Mencken Hits it out of the park once again.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Mencken is routinely vilified for being an elitist. Those who resort to that ad hominum rarely try to attack his logic. The reason is that his argument is unassailable. It may not be pretty. It certainly isn't politically correct. However, his argument exposes the fallacies of the bumper-sticker slogans that pass for political debate. A good thought-provoking read. Bring your dictionary along. You'll need it.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Carol Browning
    4.0 out of 5 stars Notes On Democracy
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2014
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The volume itself is a reprint of some English issue- who knows why. As for the contents, if you enjoy Mencken, you will enjoy it. I was unable to discern a coherent thesis or progression, but all of his usual crochets and prejudices ( as well as the usual scintillating prose) were on display. N. B. This is the one book other than The American Language which I was able to find still in the library; check that out if you don't want to buy it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Rick
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mencken is great as always
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This ought to be required reading in high school civics classes! Sharp wit and intelligent analysis throughout. It's worth reading simply for Mencken's great vocabulary!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • madelga
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved Mencken's cynicism but so correct analysis of the "common ...
    Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved Mencken's cynicism but so correct analysis of the "common man". This book should be read especially in light of today's political climate. Consider this book in conjunction with Winston Churchill's comment...."The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter."
    7 people found this helpful
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  • John Swift
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing Changes
    Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Mencken's observations are right on and provide refreshing insights that are as timely today as they were when they were first written.
    3 people found this helpful
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