The Devil's Dictionary (1911)

Author: Ambrose Bierce
Publisher: Dover

Synopsis:
A satirical dictionary that holds nothing sacred.

Impressions:
This book was recommended to me by one of my professors a number of years ago and several years ago I found a copy at a used bookstore. This reminds me a bit of Samuel Johnson's dictionary, although here the color commentary is the entire point. While a lot of the humor is particular to the age in which the book was written, most of it is timeless. "Rascally" is the word I'd use to describe the approach. Chances are, you'll be offended in places, but it is called The Devil's Dictionary, after all. Some of the poetic excepts run a bit long, but your mileage may vary. It's good for some chuckles and worth a read.

Rating:
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