This book is written comic book style. Very well done.
Originally published in a weekly from 1881-1906, it was titled The Cynic's Word Book when printed in book form. Frankly, that title is a better fit as that is what it is: a misanthropical view of vocabulary with a smidgeon of wit added. "Devil" seems to imply something "naughty." Anyway, while some definitions (mostly political) are humorous, I found that the majority were mundane to downright boring.
my favorite Bierce . . . his humor bites even today
Quite the book for English majors! The brief introduction is well-written, but I don't always understand the allusions made by Mr. Bierce. He wrote a lot of verse but to me it is not as entertaining as Ogden Nash's work. Yet it is good entertainment to read a few pages while on the subway or bus.
The Suggested Reading consists of somewhat obscure scholarly tomes, except for Carey McWilliams' 1967 book. The biographies from the 1920s by authors that spoke with people who actually knew Mr. Bierce are ignored.
Neighbor, n. One whom we are commanded to love as ourselves and who does all he knows how to make us disobedient.
Callous, adj. Gifted with great fortitude to bear the evils afflicting another.
Felon, n. A person of greater enterprise than discretion, who in embracing an opportunity has formed an unfortunate attachment.
Inexpedient, adj. Not calculated to advance one's interests.
Pardon, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
The Suggested Reading consists of somewhat obscure scholarly tomes, except for Carey McWilliams' 1967 book. The biographies from the 1920s by authors that spoke with people who actually knew Mr. Bierce are ignored.
Neighbor, n. One whom we are commanded to love as ourselves and who does all he knows how to make us disobedient.
Callous, adj. Gifted with great fortitude to bear the evils afflicting another.
Felon, n. A person of greater enterprise than discretion, who in embracing an opportunity has formed an unfortunate attachment.
Inexpedient, adj. Not calculated to advance one's interests.
Pardon, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
