The New Devil's Dictionary

Ambrose Bierce (1842 - circa 1914) is likely the best known satirist and cynic that the United States has ever produced (correction - his parents actually produced him so that is why we needed to create a proper lexicon). This little book is a tribute to one of the great writers, journalists and critics in 19th century America. The curious reader should be asking, "Why is the death date circa 1914?". Ambrose was not made of meek materials. In October 1913, at the age of 71, he...
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Ambrose Bierce (1842 - circa 1914) is likely the best known satirist and cynic that the United States has ever produced (correction - his parents actually produced him so that is why we needed to create a proper lexicon). This little book is a tribute to one of the great writers, journalists and critics in 19th century America. The curious reader should be asking, "Why is the death date circa 1914?". Ambrose was not made of meek materials. In October 1913, at the age of 71, he departed from Washington, D.C. and by December he had passed through Louisiana and Texas, crossing by way of El Paso into Mexico, which was in the throes of revolution. In Ciudad Juárez he joined Pancho Villa's army as an observer, and in that role, he witnessed the Battle of Tierra Blanca. Later, he simply disappeared! Possibly to leave his critics breathless and, hopefully wordless. Perhaps we can leave our readers that way. The three scientists who wrote this book did not so much collaborate but rather agree to compile their perceptions of English word usage. It is not meant as an instructional tool, but more as a relative safe release for social opinions and curious musings about our language and how it shapes our world and our perceptions. We simultaneously mock and love language, as we do our leaders, habits, and inspirations. Perhaps the unifying stylist elements of this book are cynicism and satire - never mean-spirited, sometimes nasty, often vulgar - but always with a sense wonder, amusement, and the humor that we all need to get us through each day.