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Quote by Ambrose Bierce

Work

The Devil's Dictionary: The Devil World

This book is a compilation of satirical definitions, offering a humorous and critical take on a wide range of words and ideas, all presented from the viewpoint of a devil. The entries are known for their wit and sarcasm, challenging the reader's understanding of common terms and concepts. more

Author

Ambrose Bierce
Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Bierce was an American journalist, satirist, and editor, renowned for his sharp wit and dark humor. He is best known for his satirical novel 'The Devil's Dictionary' and his short stories. Bierce was born on June 24, 1842, and his exact date of death remains unknown, as he disappeared during the American Civil War. more

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“PERFECTION, n. An imaginary state of quality distinguished from the actual by an element known as excellence; an attribute of the critic. The editor of an English magazine having received a letter pointing out the erroneous nature of his views and style, and signed "Perfection," promptly wrote at the foot of the letter: "I don't agree with you," and mailed it to Matthew Arnold.”

StatesViewsQualityKnownFeetStyleElementsPerfectionLettersAgreeExcellenceCriticsMagazinesEditorsAttributesImaginaryPointingDistinguishedMatthew
Book:The Unabridged Devil's Dictionary
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“TEDIUM, n. Ennui, the state or condition of one that is bored. Many fanciful derivations of the word have been affirmed, but so high an authority as Father Jape says that it comes from a very obvious source --the first words of the ancient Latin hymn _Te Deum Laudamus_. In this apparently natural derivation there is something that saddens.”

FirstsHas BeensStatesFatherNaturalConditionsSourceAuthorityAncientObviousBoredFancyLatinHymnsEnnuiTedium
Book:Delphi Complete Works of Ambrose Bierce (Illustrated)
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“Salamander: Originally a reptile inhabiting fire; later, an anthropomorphous immortal, but still a pyrophile. Salamanders are now believed to be extinct, the last one of which we have an account having been seen in Carcassonne by the Abbe Belloc, who exorcised it with a bucket of holy water.”

StillsLastsWaterFireHolyAccountsImmortalBucketsReptilesHoly WaterSalamanders
Book:The Devil's Dictionary: The Devil World
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