Disturber of the Peace

The Life of H. L. Mencken

By: William Manchester

Narrated by: Anthony Heald

This fine biography of H. L. Mencken tells of how he rose to his unique position as comic genius and pre-eminent critic of American culture. It is the story of a man whose massive power of invective inspired and infuriated his contemporaries and whose popularity and unpopularity mounted with the frenzied pace of the 1920s. Mencken sounded a loud, jarring note to a world governed by conformity and never hesitated to express his contempt for every kind of hypocrite, fake, and narrow-minded censor.

Here also is Mencken's human side, not just his rambunctious wit but also his courtesy and hospitality, his support of struggling writers, and his personal foibles. What emerges is a compelling portrait of an extraordinary man.

First released in 1951, this edition includes a new introduction and final chapter.

©1979 William Manchester (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

refreshing

Mencken was a very complex character. Manchester knew him. Mencken was frequently wrong. he was also frequently right. he is very current and relevant as we c watch the Re biblical party against start to self-destruct with right wing nonsense.

Well Written and Well Narrated

I loved this book! I'm a fan of HL Mencken but didn't know much about all the things he had done in his lifetime. William Manchester's obvious affection and his personal relationship with Mencken comes through in his prose and how he tells his story. I thought it was riveting. And the narrator did an great job with the reading. I highly recommend it - especially since the book, published in 1951, is no longer in print.

worthwhile

the reader was perfect. the author did a good job sharing the details of Mencken's life.

A fascinating biography of a very eccentric genius

If you could sum up Disturber of the Peace in three words, what would they be?

Fun. Informative. Well-written

What did you like best about this story?

I will read anything William Manchester wrote. I love his flair for story telling and making you understand Menchen.

Have you listened to any of Anthony Heald’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, new listener but satisfied

A very enjoyable read

A very enjoyable read. An insightful read of comings and goings of H.L. Mencken.