Florence King, American journalist and author (b. 1936)

Florence Virginia King (January 5, 1936 – January 6, 2016) was a distinguished American author, celebrated for her roles as a novelist, essayist, and particularly, a columnist. Her insightful commentary and sharp wit earned her a unique place in American letters and conservative discourse.

King's early literary career was deeply rooted in the American South, a region she knew intimately and depicted with a blend of satire and nuanced observation. Her works from this period, such as her acclaimed novel "Southern Ladies and Gentlemen," often explored the eccentricities, social conventions, and enduring traditions of the Southern cultural landscape, offering a distinctive perspective on the people and mores of her native region.

As her career evolved, a significant portion of King's later and most recognized work found its home in the pages of National Review, a prominent and influential conservative magazine founded by William F. Buckley Jr. This platform allowed her acerbic wit and traditionalist views to reach a broad audience.

The Misanthrope's Corner: The Reign of the "Queen of Mean"

From 1990 until her initial retirement in 2002, Florence King penned her renowned column, "The Misanthrope's Corner," for National Review. This column quickly became a signature feature of the magazine, known for its unvarnished and often hilariously curmudgeonly critiques. As National Review itself famously described, the column was celebrated for "serving up a smorgasbord of curmudgeonly critiques about rubes and all else bothersome to the Queen of Mean." This moniker, "The Queen of Mean," affectionately bestowed upon her, perfectly encapsulated her persona: a sharp-tongued observer unafraid to expose pretension, vulgarity, and the general decline of civility she perceived in modern society. Her targets ranged from popular culture and social fads to political figures and everyday annoyances, all delivered with a distinctively intelligent, witty, and often ironic voice that resonated deeply with her readership.

The Bent Pin: A Return to Form

After a brief hiatus, Florence King emerged from retirement in 2006, resuming her writing for National Review with a new column titled "The Bent Pin." This title, suggestive of a subtle yet persistent jab, reflected a continuation of her characteristic style of incisive social commentary. "The Bent Pin" allowed King to once again share her unique perspectives, offering readers the familiar blend of sharp observations and biting humor that had endeared her to them for years.

Ideological Stance and Personal Beliefs

Florence King identified as a traditionalist conservative, a distinct intellectual current within American conservatism that emphasizes cultural continuity, inherited institutions, civility, and a skepticism towards radical change, often drawing inspiration from figures like Russell Kirk. Crucially, she was not a "movement conservative" in the conventional sense, as she expressed significant objections to much of the populist direction that emerged within the contemporary American Right. King often critiqued what she saw as a decline in intellectual rigor and an embrace of crude populism, preferring a more refined and historically grounded approach to conservative thought.

Beyond her political leanings, King held a fascinating array of personal beliefs and affiliations:

• Episcopalian Identity: She was an active Episcopalian, valuing the liturgy, tradition, and intellectual depth of the Episcopal Church. This was despite her frequent allusions to her agnosticism, a seemingly paradoxical stance that highlighted her intellectual honesty and complex relationship with faith – perhaps appreciating the cultural and aesthetic aspects of religion while harboring philosophical doubts.
• Academic Acumen: She was a proud member of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for history. This affiliation underscored her profound respect for historical knowledge and scholarly pursuits, which frequently informed her essays and columns.
• Monarchist Leanings: Intriguingly, King was a self-professed monarchist. For an American, this stance was largely symbolic and cultural rather than a literal political aspiration. It reflected her appreciation for order, hierarchy, tradition, and the ceremonial aspects of governance, often viewing monarchy as an antidote to the perceived vulgarity and chaos of modern democratic populism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florence King

Who was Florence King?

Florence Virginia King (1936-2016) was a prominent American novelist, essayist, and columnist, best known for her acerbic wit and conservative commentary in National Review.

What were her most famous columns?

Her most famous columns were "The Misanthrope's Corner" and later, "The Bent Pin," both published in National Review.

What was "The Misanthrope's Corner" known for?

"The Misanthrope's Corner" was renowned for Florence King's curmudgeonly critiques of society, culture, and individuals, often delivered with sharp humor and earning her the nickname "The Queen of Mean."

What was Florence King's political philosophy?

She was a traditionalist conservative who often expressed reservations about the populist direction of the modern American Right, valuing civility, culture, and historical tradition.

Was Florence King religious?

She was an active Episcopalian, though she also frequently referred to her agnosticism, indicating a complex intellectual and spiritual perspective that embraced both tradition and philosophical doubt.

Why was Florence King called "The Queen of Mean"?

This nickname was given by National Review due to her sharp, often humorous, and unapologetically critical observations on various aspects of modern life and human behavior.