The Devil's Dictionary [Paperback]

The Devil's Dictionary [Paperback]

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This book is a collection of chronicles the fiction and non fiction classics by the greatest writers the world has ever known. The inclusion of both popular along with overlooked pieces is pivotal to providing a broad and representative collection of conventional works.

'The Devil's Dictionary' is a very interesting, rather intellectually cynical collection of proposed definitions to words put together by Ambrose Gwinett Bierce, a media consultant, author, Civil War veteran, and general misanthrope, who disappeared without a trace in Mexico about 1914. In the words of H.L. Mencken, Bierce has produced 'some of the most gorgeous witticism of the English language.' Bierce delights in irreverence and poking fun at all aspects of life.

Bierce's own definition of dictionary gives some insight into his general thought patterns:

'Dictionary, n. A malevolent literary device for cramping the growth of a language and making it hard and inelastic. This dictionary, however, is a most useful work.'

This would lead us to conclude (most properly) that Bierce is a world-class cynic. What is a cynic?

'Cynic, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic's eyes to improve his vision.'

Originally published under the title 'The Cynic's Word Book', most of the definitions in this book originally appeared as part newspaper columns. There have been many imitators, but this is the first and finest collection. Arranged as a dictionary, it provides an interesting author's tool for finding a unique state of mind on words and phrases. There are more than 1000 entries. A few examples include:

Fair warning -- those who do not like cynicism and scathing wit will find this book irritating, and usually offensive. Bierce is a product of his generation; political correctness wasn't in vogue then, and, even if it had been, Bierce would have been one of the sharpest critics.

'Christian, n. One who believes that the New Testament is a divinely inspired book admirably suited to the requirements of his neighbor. One who follows the teachings of Christ in so far as they are not inconsistent with a life of sin.'

Why does this ring so true? Of course, there's the sound advice that if you scratch a cynic, you'll find an idealist. Bierce would undoubtedly have described himself as a realist, but buried beneath many layers of cynicism, one can sense the idealism.

Why did Bierce go to Mexico? maybe his underlying idealism led him to a country that was awash in revolutionary concepts; perhaps those ideas are what cost him his life. maybe he went underground? it's possible we will never know.

The publisher of this volume, one of but many reprints of the text over time, says: 'The caustic aphorisms collected in "The Devil's Dictionary" helped earn Ambrose Bierce the epithets Bitter Bierce, the Devil's Lexicographer, and the Wickedest Man in San Francisco. The words he shaped into verbal pitchforks a century ago--with or without the devil's help--can still draw blood today.'

This book is very useful for generating ideas for writing and reflection. it is a good counterpoint to 'guides to positive thinking' kinds of material, and can serve as a tempering agent on such collections. 

Product Details :

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (April 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1461039207
• ISBN-13: 978-1461039204
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds

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