In this dictionary Bierce compiles the canon of human weaknesses, prejudices, absurdities and habits. The subtle, nasty definitions of words expose the very aspect in them that normal consciousness hypocritically tries to cover up.First published as The Cynics Word Book (1906) and later reissued under its preferred name in 1911, Bierces notorious collection of barbed definitions forcibly contradicts Samuel Johnsons earlier definition of a lexicographer as a harmless drudge. There was nothing harmless about Ambrose Bierce, and the words he shaped into verbal pitchforks a century agowith or without the devils helpcan still draw blood today.The American writer Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) had not only a sharp tongue, but also a pointed feather. He was one of the most dazzling figures in 19th-century literary America the personified provocation and a hateful cynic who left no subject out. No matter whether it was about general, small or great weaknesses of the human race nothing was sacred to his mockery. He became famous with his Devils Dictionary, a collection of gallant and pointedly spiritual aphorisms.The size of the eBook is about 180 pages.ABOUT THE BOOK SERIESThe ApeBook Classics (ABC) bring to life famous and lesser known masterpieces of world literature in digital format. This means that even works that have almost been forgotten are preserved for cultural memory. apebook adheres to the highest standards in eBook production and offers you high quality, aesthetically pleasing classics at a fair price. Don't settle for cheap and loveless versions if you love good literature, instead choose low-priced but beautiful editions from a real publisher. With the ApeBook Classics you get professionally created eBooks that appreciate the literary value of their content through an appropriate design. Search for more ApeBook Classics titles to build your digital library by typing "apebook" in the browse field. By the way, apebook also offers selected titles as paperback editions. And last but not least: apebook supports the environmental organization "Save the rainforest". By buying the books from our shop, you are doing the same.You can find a complete overview of the publishing programme at: www.apebook.de