The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce
"The Devil's Dictionary" by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical reference work first published in the late 19th century. This unique dictionary offers definitions infused with dark humor and cynical observations about human nature, society, and politics. Through its witty and often biting entries, Bierce critiques various aspects of life, including morality and the absurdities of human behavior. At the start of the book, the author provides a preface explaining the origins of
the work and its transformation from a series of definitions published in a weekly paper to a more comprehensive collection. Following this, the opening entries introduce the reader to Bierce's style, showcasing his clever wordplay and sardonic wit. Definitions such as "ABASEMENT" and "ABDICATION" reveal Bierce's ability to blend humor with philosophical insights, signaling that each entry will serve as both a comedic observation and an epigrammatic commentary on human life. The use of poetic verses complements the prose, enriching the humor and enhancing the reader's engagement with Bierce's sharp critique of society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Bierce, Ambrose, 1842-1914? |
|---|---|
| Title | The Devil's Dictionary |
| Note | Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil%27s_Dictionary |
| Note | Reading ease score: 61.2 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Credits | Produced by Aloysius and David Widger |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature |
| Subject | English language -- Dictionaries -- Humor |
| Subject | English language -- Semantics -- Humor |
| Subject | Vocabulary -- Humor |
| Category | Text |
| EBook-No. | 972 |
| Release Date | Jul 1, 1997 |
| Most Recently Updated | Feb 7, 2024 |
| Copyright Status | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 5145 downloads in the last 30 days. |
| Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free! | |
