The Origins Of The Devil’s Dictionary
The Devil’s Dictionary, penned by Ambrose Bierce, was first begun as a weekly addition to the satire column of a prestigious and pedantic business newspaper in San Francisco, called simply the “News letter.” The paper was mainly intended for the male business class, white collar banker class men, but the paper had one section dedicated [...]
Examples From The Devil’s Dictionary
ABASEMENT, n. A decent and customary mental attitude in the presence of wealth or power. Peculiarly appropriate in an employee when addressing an employer. ABDICATION, n. An act whereby a sovereign attests his sense of the high temperature of the throne. ABILITY, n. The natural equipment to accomplish some small part of the meaner ambitions distinguishing able [...]
The Devil’s Dictionary X
This version of the Devil’s Dictionary is an online version of the book, but not so much a different version, as a sequel. The “lexicographer” in this case, is referred to as simply “the devil.” Whether or not he or she is laughing, is unknown, though the affirmative is most likely scenario. Much of the [...]
Ambrose Bierce
The author of the satirical book, The Devil’s Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce, was an interesting man, with a strange life, focused mainly around literary accomplishments. His published works in newspapers and public journals made serious impact on political affairs, and he was constantly challenging the complacence of his social peers. In short, Ambrose Bierce was living [...]
Other Literary Works By Ambrose Bierce
Despite the notoriety of The Devil’s Dictionary, most of Ambrose Bierce’s many other literary works have fallen into obscurity. However, there does exist a seven volume set of his work, if you decide to go snooping around on eBay or Amazon. The seventh volume consists solely of The Devil’s Dictionary. He was notable for his [...]