Devil's Dictionary (Illustrated Edition)

Author: (American) Bierce
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-05-01
Features: A century ago, he was scorned; a century later, he was revered—this is the "bitter Bierce!" When you open the Devil's Dictionary, behold! The world that once seemed orderly is completely twisted, disordered, and everything seems distorted and upside down! The luster of civilization fades away, and the sores of life are exposed, leaving only ugliness and absurdity in sight. But don’t be afraid. Compared to the cannons and atomic bombs humans use for killing, it is far more merciful and much more interesting. Take a look at what this wit has to say:
Beauty—The power of women to attract lovers and terrify husbands.
Apology—A prelude to offending again in the future.
Cannon—An instrument used to correct national boundaries.
Funeral—An outdoor performance that proves our reverence for the deceased by making undertakers rich, and reinforces our grief with exorbitant expenses that deepen our groans and make us shed double tears.
When you open the Devil's Dictionary, behold! The world that once seemed orderly is completely twisted, disordered, and everything seems distorted and upside down! The luster of civilization fades away, and the sores of life are exposed, leaving only ugliness and absurdity in sight. But don’t be afraid. Compared to the cannons and atomic bombs humans use for killing, it is far more merciful and much more interesting. Take a look at what this wit has to say:
Beauty—The power of women to attract lovers, terrify husbands.
Apology—A prelude to offending again in the future.
Cannon—An instrument used to correct national boundaries.
Funeral—An outdoor performance that proves our reverence for the deceased by making undertakers rich, and reinforces our grief with exorbitant expenses that deepen our groans and make us shed double tears.