The Unabridged Devil's DictionaryIf we could only put aside our civil pose and say what we really thought, the world would be a lot like the one alluded to in The Unabridged Devil’s Dictionary. There, a bore is "a person who talks when you wish him to listen," and happiness is "an agreeable sensation arising from contemplating the misery of another." This is the most comprehensive, authoritative edition ever of Ambrose Bierce’s satiric masterpiece. It renders obsolete all other versions that have appeared in the book’s ninety-year history. |
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... distinguished from the inferior actor who steals one animal at a time—a superior stock actor, as it were. Abacus, n. In architecture, the upper part of a column, upon which, in all good architecture, sits the thoughtful stork pondering ...
... distinguished from your kind of ability. Admiral, n. That part of a war-ship which does the talking while the figure-head does the thinking. Admiration, n. Our polite recognition of another's resemblance to ourselves. Admonition, n ...
... distinguished from the Christian, Jewish, and so forth. Allah's good laws Ifaithfully have kept, And ever for the sins of man have wept; And sometimes kneeling in the temple I Have reverently crossed my hands and slept. Junker Barlow ...
... distinguished from the interior counties. Dogmatic Dan, with more of ears than brain, Was laying down the law to Mary Jane. “You're famous for your oracles,” she said. A sudden anger dyed his cheeks with red; He seized his hat. “My ...
... distinguished from the Liberal, who wishes to replace them with others. Consolation, n. The knowledge that a better man is more unfortunate than yourself. Consul, m. In American politics, a person who having failed to secure an office ...
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Gestalt Therapy and Human Nature: Evolutionary Psychology Applied John Wymore No preview available - 2006 |