
THE DEVIL’S DICTIONARY - by Ambrose Bierce
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
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A mischievous collection of bite‑sized definitions, this work turns the ordinary dictionary inside out, offering sharp, sardonic takes on everyday words and concepts. The author’s dry, razor‑thin humor shines through each entry, from “abasement” to “abracadabra,” exposing the absurdities of social pretension, power, and human folly. Readers are treated to a parade of clever wordplay that feels both timeless and surprisingly modern, inviting a quick smile or a lingering chuckle with every page turn.
Beyond the wry definitions, the book sprinkles in brief, often quoted verses that add a literary flourish to the satire, giving each term a quirky, almost poetic context. Its format encourages a leisurely, hop‑along listening experience, perfect for anyone who enjoys clever commentary on language and society without the weight of a conventional narrative. The result is an entertaining, thought‑provoking stroll through the lexicon of human idiosyncrasy.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (359K characters)
Release date
1997-07-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1842–1913
A master of sharp wit and dark imagination, this American writer turned the violence of the Civil War and a lifelong journalist’s eye into stories that still feel startlingly modern. He is best remembered for haunting tales like An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and for the biting satire of The Devil’s Dictionary.
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