H.L Mencken. Stated first edition. Signed copy. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1948. Both unclipped dust jacket (in a mylar wrapper) and hardcover are in Very Good+ condition. Other than a small date near price, no writing or markings found inside this well-preserved copy, 890 pp.
A remarkable signed first edition of The American Language: Supplement Two, Mencken’s monumental work on the evolution of American English. Known as the “Sage of Baltimore,” H.L. Mencken was both feared and admired for his sharp wit and fearless cultural criticism. His American Language project stands as one of the most ambitious studies of how American English diverged from its British roots.
This volume is signed by Mencken on the flyleaf, making it far scarcer than unsigned counterparts. The signature is clean and bold, a personal link to one of the most influential critics and intellectuals of the 20th century.
Bound in publisher’s cloth with original dust jacket, both preserved in Very Good+ condition. The jacket shows minimal wear, uncommon for a work now over 75 years old. A crisp, clean example with excellent shelf appeal.
Signed copies of Mencken’s American Language volumes are increasingly scarce in the trade, and this copy represents an outstanding opportunity for collectors of American literature, criticism, and linguistic history.
