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The Unabridged Devil's Dictionary
The Unabridged Devil's Dictionary | Ambrose Bierce
5 posts | 14 read | 36 to read
If we could only put aside our civil pose and say what we really thought, the world would be a lot like the one alluded to in The Unabridged Devils Dictionary. There, a bore is a person who talks when you wish him to listen, and happiness is an agreeable sensation arising from contemplating the misery of another. This is the most comprehensive, authoritative edition ever of Ambrose Bierces satiric masterpiece. It renders obsolete all other versions that have appeared in the books ninety-year history. A virtual onslaught of acerbic, confrontational wordplay, The Unabridged Devils Dictionary offers some 1,600 wickedly clever definitions to the vocabulary of everyday life. Little is sacred and few are safe, for Bierce targets just about any pursuit, from matrimony to immortality, that allows our willful failings and excesses to shine forth. This new edition is based on David E. Schultz and S. T. Joshis exhaustive investigation into the books writing and publishing history. All of Bierces known satiric definitions are here, including previously uncollected, unpublished, and alternative entries. Definitions dropped from previous editions have been restored while nearly two hundred wrongly attributed to Bierce have been excised. For dedicated Bierce readers, an introduction and notes are also included. Ambrose Bierces Devils Dictionary is a classic that stands alongside the best work of satirists such as Twain, Mencken, and Thurber. This unabridged edition will be celebrated by humor fans and word lovers everywhere.
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GatheringBooks
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#QuotsyJan19 Day 8: Lots of #Creature(s), I am certain in this devil‘s dictionary. Bought a copy of this when Folio Society had their annual half price sale a few years back, but haven‘t gotten around to reading it yet. Maybe in 2020. 😭😂🤣📚📚📚

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marginalia_misfit
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"Yet the Past is the Future of yesterday, the Future is the Past of to-morrow. They are one—the knowledge and the dream."

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 📖💙 6y
Kaylamburson Welcome to Litsy!!! 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Welcome to Litsy!! 6y
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CogsOfEncouragement
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I was hoping this book would be full of definitions like these - that make one chuckle at human nature. Many are too bitter and mean-spirited for my taste. In all fairness, the title is clear of what the book holds.

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GoneFishing

Quotation, n: The act of repeating erroneously the words of another.

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MrBook
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Pickpick

This book is formatted as a dictionary, but it's a helluva unique one! I've read it through cover to cover, but most of you probably would use it as you would any other dictionary. Written by one of Poe's immediate horror successors, it's written in verbose Victorian prose, heavy on the sarcasm & sardonic wit, & had me guffawing frequently. A thin reference for pithy party material. An iconic classic! #PairWith: Jim Beam Devil's Cut, straight.

Horrortorte Looking through my Kindle edition, nearly half of the text is highlighted by me. That should be a record in my collection 😁 8y
CogsOfEncouragement I thought I had never heard of this book, but after looking up some of Bierce's definitions I realize I have heard & laughed heartily at excerpts. Thanks for the post. 8y
Seshat Wonderful sarcasm in that. I loved it. 8y
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CoveredInRust This is the best book for a laugh. 8y
MrBook @Horrortorte I would expect nothing less from you 😁😎👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻🙌🏻! @CogsOfEncouragement You're very welcome! It's amazing how seemingly ubiquitous this material is 😊👍🏻. @Seshat I love good sarcastic wit 😎👌🏻. @CoveredInRust I know! It's major strength for me 😊👍🏻. 8y
FaeryRaine I have this! It's brilliant! 8y
HotCocoaReads Never heard of it, but it sounds great! 8y
MrBook @FaeryRaine 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻🙌🏻!!! @HotCocoaReads Ohh, knowing you, you would take a fond liking to this I predict 😎👌🏻👍🏻! 8y
FaeryRaine @MrBook It's my go to when I need a laugh! 8y
MrBook @FaeryRaine 😎👌🏻🙌🏻! 8y
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