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The Devil's dictionary
Posté par Cyraknow,
dans
In the language of Shakespeare
12 juin 2014
·
1 589 visite(s)
Ambrose Bierce cynisme anglais américain humour
A publication by Efemerid, which I read this morning, here, http://www.toutelapo...rt/#entry268217 reminded me a lot of the famed Devil's Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce, which you can read here unabridged:
http://www.commissio...ROSE BIERCE.pdf
Indeed, it shows the same qualities of cynicism, cruelty, impertinence, and often , though not always, the same wit, as Bierce's work, in redefining every day words in a different light. A very interesting (to say the least) publication, which gave me a good laugh.
Though "An occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" can be said to be his masterpiece, the Devil's Dictionary illustrates how much of a cynic, and wonderful master crafter of words, this editor and journalist , well-known for his political satire, really was. The definitions given, often with fake quotes by imaginary authors, are witheringly accurate, behind their veil veil of cynicism.
A cynic, that is exactly what Bierce was, or, to take a leaf from his own book:
CYNIC, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic's eyes to improve his vision.
It si to be noted that Ambrose Bierce often used accurate references to historical facts so, although I doubt their motive may be the one suggested above, I do suppose the Scythians did in fact use this revolting custom.
Have fun, and a good giggle, reading the Devil's Dictionary, and ponder some of its definitions...
If you are a francophile, the translation of this article may be read here: http://www.toutelapo...aire-du-diable/
http://www.commissio...ROSE BIERCE.pdf
Indeed, it shows the same qualities of cynicism, cruelty, impertinence, and often , though not always, the same wit, as Bierce's work, in redefining every day words in a different light. A very interesting (to say the least) publication, which gave me a good laugh.
Though "An occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" can be said to be his masterpiece, the Devil's Dictionary illustrates how much of a cynic, and wonderful master crafter of words, this editor and journalist , well-known for his political satire, really was. The definitions given, often with fake quotes by imaginary authors, are witheringly accurate, behind their veil veil of cynicism.
A cynic, that is exactly what Bierce was, or, to take a leaf from his own book:
CYNIC, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic's eyes to improve his vision.
It si to be noted that Ambrose Bierce often used accurate references to historical facts so, although I doubt their motive may be the one suggested above, I do suppose the Scythians did in fact use this revolting custom.
Have fun, and a good giggle, reading the Devil's Dictionary, and ponder some of its definitions...
If you are a francophile, the translation of this article may be read here: http://www.toutelapo...aire-du-diable/
- FlorentM aime ceci
Thank you Cyraknow for mentioning this masterpiece which is the "Devil's Dictionary". It also seems to be very good for improving one's English, which I desperately need^^