The Devil’s Dictionary
By Ambrose Bierce
“Ambrose Bierce was, among other things, a legend in his own time.”
Ambrose Bierce was, among other things, a legend in his own time. And his fame derived largely from his uniquely brilliant satirical writings. Even 60 years after his presumed death, Bierce must be counted among the great American satirists.
Bierce’s satirical masterpiece was The Devil’s Dictionary. As H. L. Mencken said, it contains “some of the most gorgeous witticisms of the English language.”
The Devil’s Dictionary expresses a thoroughly cynical, pessimistic view of life. But it is not depressing or dispiriting. On the contrary, it is great fun! Walter Lippman aptly described Mencken as “a writer who de-nounces life and makes you want to live.” This description fits Bierce as well. However, whereas Mencken was unquestionably an atheist and a libertarian, Bierce’s religious and political beliefs are not clear. But Bierce was, at least, thoroughly cynical regarding the frauds perpetrated by pastors and politicians.
Here is a sampling of the Biercian lexicon:
COMPROMISE, n. Such an adjustment of conflicting interests as gives each adversary the satisfaction of thinking he has got what he ought not to have, and is deprived of nothing except what was justly his duė.
EGOTIST, n. A person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me....
FAITH, n. Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel....
FEMALE, n. One of the opposing, or unfair, sex....
LIFE, n. A spiritual pickle preserving the body from decay....
MAGIC, n. An art of converting superstition into coin....
PRAY, v. To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy....
PRESIDENT, n. The leading figure in a small group of men of whom—and of whom only—it is positively known that immense numbers of their coun-trymen did not want any of them for President....
REVERENCE, n. The spiritual attitude of a man to a god and a dog to a man....
REVOLUTION, n. In politics, an abrupt change in the form of misgovern-ment....
TARIFF, n. A scale of taxes on imports, designed to protect the domestic pro-ducer against the greed of his consumer....
WAR, n. A by-product of the arts of peace.
If you have savored the satire of Mark Twain or Mencken, or if you have been delighted by the aphorisms of Thomas Szasz, then you owe yourself the pleasure of reading Bierce. And The Devil’s Dictionary is the perfect place to start.
Reviewed by L. A. Rollins / 145 Pages / BFL Price $1.25