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One of Bierce's most famous works. Originally an occasional newspaper item which was first published in book form in 1906 as The Cynic's Word Book. It consists of satirical definitions of English words which lampoon cant and political double-talk. Under the entry "leonine", meaning... Read Full Overview

From the preface:With reference to certain actual and possible questions of priority and originality, it may be explained that this Word Book was begun in the San Francisco "Wasp" in the year 1881, and has been continued, in a desultory way, in several journals and periodicals... Read Full Overview

By Abracadabra we signify An infinite number of things. 'T is the answer to What? and How? and Why? And Whence? and Whither?-a word whereby The Truth (with the comfort it brings) Is open to all who grope in night, Crying for Wisdom's holy light. Whether the word is a verb or... Read Full Overview

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce (June 24, 1842 - circa 1914) was an American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist, and satirist. He wrote the short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and compiled a satirical lexicon, The Devil's Dictionary. His vehemence as a... Read Full Overview

"The Cynic's Word Book," usually called "The Devil's Dictionary," is a satirical and humorous lexicon penned through the acerbic wit of Ambrose Bierce. This collection of cynical definitions gives a sardonic observation on language, human nature, and societal norms. Bierce, a... Read Full Overview

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely... Read Full Overview

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely... Read Full Overview

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original... Read Full Overview

ABASEMENT, n. A decent and customary mental attitude in the presence of wealthor power. Peculiarly appropriate in an employ? when addressing an employer.ABATIS, n. Rubbish in front of a fort, to prevent the rubbish outside from molestingthe rubbish inside.ABDICATION, n. An act... Read Full Overview

ABASEMENT, n. A decent and customary mental attitude in the presence of wealthor power. Peculiarly appropriate in an employ? when addressing an employer.ABATIS, n. Rubbish in front of a fort, to prevent the rubbish outside from molestingthe rubbish inside.ABDICATION, n. An act... Read Full Overview

"The Cynic's Word Book" from Ambrose Bierce. American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist, and satirist (1842- 1914).

The Cynic's Word Book is a satirical lexicon written by American writer and journalist Ambrose Bierce. Originally published in 1906 under the title The Devil's Dictionary, the book is a collection of humorous and often scathing definitions of words and phrases commonly used in... Read Full Overview

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original... Read Full Overview

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for... Read Full Overview