The Devil's Dictionary (Thrift Editions)

by Ambrose Bierce (Author)

• New

  Paperback
  1993

  $9.56

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $3.44

  Initially a weekly feature in an American newspaper in 1881, The Devil's Dictionary was continued with some intervals until 1906, when it was first published as The Cynic's Word Book . Typical entries include: 'fly', a monster of the air owing allegiance to Beelzebub; 'kill', to create a vacacy without nominating a successor; and 'rhubarb', vegetable essence of stomach ache. A humorous perspective of the English language at the turn of the 20th century, the book has a new introduction to give a modern view of the book and its importance in literature.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2003

  $3.84

  A word book, straight up, with a twist The Devil's Dictionary is an American classic. A Yankee Oscar Wilde with a wicked edge to his tongue, gained from seeing the world early and cynically as it really was, Ambrose Bierce, friend and rival of Mark Twain, was one of America's first great writers and journalists. His razor-sharp wit and underlying rage against hypocrisy is perfectly complemented by Ralph Steadman's equally incisive pen and ink illustrations. Adore, v..t. To venerate expectantly. Bride, n. A woman with a great future behind her Corporation, n. An ingenious device for securing individual profit without individual responsibility. Debauchee, n. One who has so earnestly pursued pleasure that he has had the misfortune to overtake it.