02045cam a22003013u 4500 22145 UtSlPG 20260610133518.0 m cr n 260607r2007||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Mencken, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1880-1956 A Book of Burlesques Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2007 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2007-07-25 E-text prepared by Malcolm Farmer, L. N. Yaddanapudi, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team "A Book of Burlesques" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of satirical essays and dramatic sketches written in the early 20th century. This compilation showcases Mencken's wit and critique of American culture, touching upon various social themes through humorous and often absurd scenarios. The book likely appeals to readers interested in sharp social commentary wrapped in clever prose. The beginning of "A Book of Burlesques" introduces several skits that reflect on the futility and absurdity of life, starting with a philosophical discussion about death occurring in a gloomy back parlor. Characters such as pallbearers engage in trivial gossip at a funeral, humorously revealing their discomfort and ignorance about death. This sets a tone for the subsequent pieces, which are expected to offer a mix of critique and comedy, digging into societal norms and practices while maintaining a light-hearted style. The opening is a clever prelude that hints at Mencken's blend of sophistication and irreverence that characterizes the entire collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Burlesques https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22145 63289 63289