The Devil's Dictionary
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Reference, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Reference, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Hardcover
Leo T. reviewed on + 1775 more book reviews
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.
