The Devil's Dictionary

"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.)

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce was an American short story writer, journalist, poet, and American Civil War veteran. His book The Devil's Dictionary was named one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature" by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. His story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" has been described as "one of the most famous and frequently anthologized stories in American literature", and his book Tales of Soldiers and Civilians was named by the Grolier Club one of the 100 most influential American books printed before 1900.