‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ is a satirical lexicon written by the American journalist and author Ambrose Bierce. It was first published in 1906 as ‘The Cynic’s Word Book’ and later retitled ‘The Devil’s Dictionary.’ The book is a collection of humorous and often cynical definitions of common words and phrases, written in the form of dictionary entries.
Bierce’s definitions in ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ often offer witty commentary on human nature, society, politics, religion, and other aspects of life. His entries are known for their sharp wit, clever wordplay, and biting social criticism.
For example, Bierce defines ‘politics’ as ‘A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.’ And he defines a ‘saint’ as ‘A dead sinner revised and edited.’
‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ remains a classic work of American satire and is still widely read and quoted today. Bierce’s incisive observations and dark humor continue to resonate with readers, making the book a timeless commentary on the absurdities of the human condition.
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