The Devil's Dictionary

The Devil's Dictionary is a satirical ''reference'' book written by Ambrose Bierce. The book offers reinterpretations of terms in the English language, lampooning cant and political doublespeak, as well as other aspects of human foolishness and frailty. It was originally published in 1906 as The Cynic's Word Book before being retitled in 1911. Modern ''unabridged'' versions that include Bierce ''definitions'' that were for various reasons missed by earlier editions continue to be popular a century later.