cover image Mencken and Sara: A Life in Letters

Mencken and Sara: A Life in Letters

Marion Elizabeth Rodgers, H. L. Mencken. Anchor Books, $15 (551pp) ISBN 978-0-385-41980-2

H. L. Mencken, 42, courts Sara Haardt, 24, in these private letters, which reveal a seldom-seen considerate side of the cynical editor and critic. ""There's a certain sameness to the letters, and a slightly disappointing lack of intellectual discussion,"" said PW. ""These are the letters of two busy writers intensely solicitous of each other and agreeing on most things."" Photos. (Jan.)