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The Devil’s Dictionary: The Complete Edition

The Complete Edition – 1911 edition, enriched with over 800 definitions left out from the original publications
By Ambrose Bierce
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Devil’s Dictionary: The Complete Edition is a satirical masterpiece by Ambrose Bierce, featuring a collection of sardonic definitions that expose the hypocrisies of American society. Originally published as The Cynic’s Word Book, this 1911 edition combines wit and sharp social commentary in a mock dictionary format that mocks conventional language and attitudes.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy satirical literature, wordplay, and sharp social critique, particularly fans of classic American humour and those interested in linguistics and cultural commentary.

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Brilliantly lays bare the hypocrisies of American society and displays a razor-sharp wit to rival that of Bierce’s contemporary Mark Twain.

Brilliantly lays bare the hypocrisies of American society and displays a razor-sharp wit to rival that of Bierce’s contemporary Mark Twain.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Only edition in print

A celebrated journalist in his lifetime, Ambrose Bierce began circulating his own sardonic, mischievous definitions of words in his various columns for San Francisco newspapers. Over several years, these were then compiled and expanded into entries for a mock dictionary originally published as The Cynic’s Word Book.

One of the most popular satirical works of American literature, The Devil’s Dictionary – here published in its most complete 1911 version – brilliantly lays bare the hypocrisies of American society and displays a razor-sharp wit to rival that of Bierce’s contemporary Mark Twain.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Daily Telegraph praises the book for its "corrosive insights" and "delicious precision," highlighting Bierce’s enduringly sharp wit and literary brilliance.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781847498175

Publisher: Alma Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 October 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Alma Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 284g

Pages: 352

Collections

Ambrose Bierce Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction

About the Author

Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914?) was an American short story writer and journalist. He is probably best known for his story ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek’, published in 1890. In 1913 he went to Mexico in order to observe the civil war there. Whilst travelling with Pancho Villa’s army in 1914, he vanished without a trace.

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