Cairns, Huntington, ed.,H. L. Mencken: The American Scene, Vintage Books, 1982.

Cairns has gathered a representative sampling of Mencken's writing. Topics include journalism, politics, religion, and America. This book is considered a good introduction to Mencken's writing as a whole.

Crunden, Robert, ed., The Superfluous Men: Critics of American Culture, 1900-1945, ISI Books, 1999.

Crunden presents the writing of numerous social commentators in the first half of the twentieth century, years that span both world wars and the Great Depression. In addition to Mencken, writers such as John Crowe Ransom and Allen Tate are featured.

Manchester, William, Disturber of the Peace: The Life of H. L. Mencken, Harper and Brothers, 1951.

This biography is unique among those exploring Mencken's life because Manchester knew Mencken personally and wrote the biography with his help. The style is considered accessible and engaging.

Mencken, H. L., A Choice of Days, Alfred A...