Ambrose Bierce

Sólo el dueño del arte del cinismo consigue llevar a cabo la formidable tarea de la distinción, ese saber "ver las cosas como son"; pues el cinismo tiene siempre algo de develador, de desenmascarador de la mentira mas o menos institucionalizada.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) es un ingenio quemado por el espiritu de la verdad que va incendiando a su paso templos y palacios, y lo hace con textos breves y claros; pues, como sabian los antiguos, el lenguaje de la verdad es sencillo. Frente a las alambicadas explicaciones, frente a la complejidad del engaño, la verdad tiende a ser breve y clara.

Ambrose Bierce fue uno de los escritores más controvertidos y populares de su tiempo, y su misteriosa desaparición en México en 1913 contribuyó a su leyenda. Su mayor mérito estriba en que se rió de la vida, de la gente y de las instituciones de su pais como no lo habia hecho antes ningun autor estadounidense. De las obras nacidas de su acida pluma destaca este Diccionario del diablo, que presentamos en una edicion revisada y completada con 851 nuevas palabras y definiciones recientemente descubiertas que se añaden a las mil voces tradicionales. Su insolencia, ingenio y humor siguen hoy tan vigentes como en el momento de su escritura.Ambrose Bierce fue uno de los escritores más controvertidos y populares de su tiempo, y su misteriosa desaparición en México en 1913 contribuyó a su leyenda. Su mayor mérito estriba en que se rió de la vida, de la gente y de las instituciones de su pais como no lo habia hecho antes ningun autor estadounidense. De las obras nacidas de su acida pluma destaca este Diccionario del diablo, que presentamos en una edicion revisada y completada con 851 nuevas palabras y definiciones recientemente descubiertas que se añaden a las mil voces tradicionales. Su insolencia, ingenio y humor siguen hoy tan vigentes como en el momento de su escritura.

A man stares into the deep river swirling beneath him - hands tied, noose around his neck - and waits for the order to end his life. Another is trapped for eternity in a room full of corpses. A cowering woman is strangled in the dead of night.Un hombre espera mientras un profundo rio se arremolina bajo el, con las manos atadas y un lazo en torno al cuello, y espera la orden que terminara con su vida. Otro esta atrapado por toda la eternidad en una habitacion llena de cadaveres. Una aterrorizada mujer es estrangulada en lo mas profundo de la noche.

Il club dei parenticidi e una delle opere piu folli e meno conosciute dellautore del Dizionario del diavolo. Quattro incredibili narrazioni sospese fra umore nero e provocazione, celebrazione del delitto "famigliare" e cinismo ironico apparentemente fine a se stesso. Crimini senza alcuna giustificazione che rivelano in controluce un bisogno costituzionale (e psicanalitico) della violenza e aprono scenari inquietanti sulla controversa "modernita" occidentale. Il linguaggio colorito e unico di Bierce si rivela anche nel testo originale del "Club", riproposto integralmente in appendice a questa edizione.

The Devils Dictionary is a humorous look at English vocabulary by American writer and columnist Ambrose Bierce. When you first hear the title "The Devils Dictionary", you may think the book has something to do with Satanism or black magic.This couldnt be further from the truth. Bierce liked the title because he felt that he was being devilish or mischievous in his satirical treatment of common words and phrases. Hence, "The Devils Dictionary" is a satirical rendition of the dictionary. Satire is the literary use of humour, exaggeration, and irony in order to point out specific issues in society. Bierces The Devils Dictionary uses the format of a dictionary to redefine popular words in the American vernacular, including marriage, religion, lawyer, and conservative. The definitions seem to define the words as they really are in society rather than as the set definition laid down by scholars. Not only does he point out the absurdity of society, but he also takes jabs at people in powerful positions, such as lawyers, government officials, and lexicographers. In many of the entries, Bierce not only provides a definition, but he also provides a contextual example.

In "Fantastic Fables," Ambrose Bierce showcases his sharp wit and incisive social commentary through a collection of allegorical tales. Each fable, often featuring anthropomorphic animals or personified concepts, embodies moral lessons that critique the human condition and societal norms. Bierce employs an engaging mix of humor and cynicism, reflecting the literary style of the late 19th century, characterized by realism infused with irony. The work echoes the moralistic traditions of Aesops fables while introducing a profound and often darkly humorous perspective that provokes readers to reconsider accepted wisdom. Ambrose Bierce, a journalist, and satirist, was renowned for his acerbic style and deep skepticism towards authority and convention. His experiences during the American Civil War and his tumultuous career as a writer imbued him with a comprehensive understanding of human folly and moral ambiguity. These experiences influenced his creative output, prompting him to distill his observations into sharp, concise narratives, making "Fantastic Fables" an embodiment of his worldview. Readers seeking a blend of humor, moral introspection, and social critique will find "Fantastic Fables" an illuminating and entertaining read. Bierces timeless tales challenge the conventions of morality, inviting reflection on our own beliefs and behaviors. This collection remains essential for those who appreciate literature that is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable.

Este diccionario es un libro, pero puede recortarse por términos y ser leído a modo de entretenimiento familiar, o armar un juego de lotería simplemente colocando fotografías de los políticos de turno o personajes publicos (se puede empezar por la de tonto) y poner la semillita en la personalidad que corresponda.De cualquier modo, este diccionario no fue siempre un libro; primero aparecio en un semanario en 1881 y prodiguio en forma intermitente hasta 1906. Precisamente en ese año fue publicada una parte, que casi sumo su totalidad, bajo el titulo de "Diccionario del cinico".

Ambrose Bierce va participar en la Guerra Civil nord-americana de manera activa i dilatada sota la bandera de la Unió. L’escenari bèl1lic d’aquest relats emmarca tota una sèrie de conflictes personal

In "Write It Right: A Little Blacklist of Literary Faults," Ambrose Bierce delves into the intricacies of language and the common pitfalls that hinder effective communication. Written with his signature wit, Bierce presents a satirical yet instructional guide aimed at writers and scholars alike, addressing prevalent grammatical errors, stylistic inconsistencies, and linguistic pretensions. The book not only serves as a critique of literary pretension but also stands as a testament to Bierces own mastery of language. Its concise, acerbic prose reflects the literary context of the late 19th century, an era when prose style was often equated with intellectual merit. Ambrose Bierce was a notable journalist, lexicographer, and satirist whose sharp observations of society resonate throughout his works. His experiences as a Civil War veteran and his subsequent disillusionment with the world around him deeply influenced his perspective on language and communication. Bierces critical eye and relentless pursuit of clarity in writing propelled him to compose this work, which acts as both a guide and a cautionary tale against the misuse of language. "Write It Right" is an indispensable resource for aspiring writers, educators, and anyone who wishes to refine their command of the English language. Bierces insights not only illuminate the importance of clarity in expression but also provoke readers to reconsider the very nature of literary artistry, making it an essential read for those passionate about the written word.

In "Cobwebs from an Empty Skull," Ambrose Bierce offers a compelling collection of satirical essays that deftly critique the absurdities of human existence and societal conventions. Bierces sharp wit and dark humor are palpable throughout the work, reflecting the literary style characteristic of the late 19th-century American literary scene. Utilizing a blend of irony and allegory, he dissects topics ranging from politics to philosophy, often leaving readers to ponder the deeper meaning behind his pointed observations. This collection showcases Bierces ability to intertwine humor with poignant social critique, rendering it a significant artifact of its time. Ambrose Bierce, known for his acerbic pen and enigmatic persona, was not only a notable writer but also a Civil War veteran whose tumultuous experiences undoubtedly informed his worldviews. His encounters with the contradictions of life, death, and morality shaped his unique perspective, making him an astute observer of human folly. Bierces literary background, coupled with his skepticism towards organized society, fueled the satirical fire that burns throughout "Cobwebs from an Empty Skull." For readers who appreciate thought-provoking satire and the exploration of existential themes, "Cobwebs from an Empty Skull" is an essential read. Bierces eloquence and incisive analysis invite us to confront our own societal norms and beliefs, making this work not just a source of entertainment but also a powerful commentary on the perplexities of life.

The Devils Dictionary is a satirical dictionary written by American journalist Ambrose Bierce, consisting of common words followed by humorous and satirical definitions. The lexicon was written over three decades as a series of installments for magazines and newspapers. Bierces witty definitions were imitated and plagiarized for years before he gathered them into books, first as The Cynics Word Book in 1906 and then in a more complete version as The Devils Dictionary in 1911.

"Um habitante de Carcosa" foi publicado, pela primeira vez, em 25 de dezembro de 1886, no número de Natal do San Francisco News Letter and California Advertiser. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) foi um autor, editor e jornalista norte-americano que ficou conhecido pelos seus contos com uma linguagem ferina e um estilo que varia do drama amargo para o satirismo. Foi um grande incentivador da literatura e de novos autores a seu tempo e recentemente seu conto mais famoso, este "Um habitante de Carcosa", foi amplamente discutido pela referencia na serie televisiva True Detective. Na historia, um homem se ve as voltas com os misterios da cidade de Carcosa.

Estas fábulas, ácidas y crueles, tristes y realistas, ponen el acento en que el hombre, a pesar de su evolución a lo largo de tantos siglos, continúa siendo el mismo, con sus bajas pasiones, sus vicios y tambien sus virtudes. A traves del sentido del humor y la satira, Briece ridiculiza y denuncia principalmente la hipocresia de la estructura social de la epoca. De la critica no se libra ninguna clase social, y por estas paginas pasan tanto tipos corrientes de toda la vida como medicos, politicos, obispos o reyes.

Dr. Helberson and his friends, Harper and Mancher, are enjoying a night of smoking and drinking in the good doctors office when a question arises. Is a fear of the dead curable? The doctor believes it absolutely is and sets about organising a wager with his friends. They find a local gambler named Jarette and bet a large sum of money on whether he can spend the night locked in a room with a corpse without losing his mind. A haunting tale full of monstrous imagery, which deftly displays Bierces terrifying mastery of the horror genre. If you loved The Conjuring you will love this classic ghost story.

Much of Bierces work revolves around the foolish idea of a glorious war, the idea that there is glory in death and violence. This theme can be seen in the title itself, it is a bloody violent battle but it is merely an Affair, as such occurrences are regular, everyday things. This is a story which focuses on the divide that the Civil War wreaked in America, tearing families and friendships apart. In this story we follow a Union brigade as they push the retreating Confederate army deeper in to their own territory. The retreating army guards a perilous pass for which Captain Coulter, a Union soldier from a Southern family is sent to take. It is a heart-breaking tale, fraught with brutal imagery much like Mel Gibsons Hacksaw Ridge.

A word book, straight up, with a twist, 'The Devils Dictionary' is an American classic. A Yankee Oscar Wilde with a wicked edge to his tongue, Ambrose Bierce, friend and rival of Mark Twain, was one of Americas first great writers and journalists. His razor-sharp wit and underlying rage against hypocrisy are perfectly complemented by Ralph Steadmans equally incisive pen-and-ink illustrations. Un diccionario, en esencia, con una vuelta de tuerca, "The Devil Dictionary" es un clasico americano Un autentico Oscar Wilde yanqui con un filo endiablado en la lengua, Ambrose Bierce, amigo y rival de Mark Twain, es uno de los mayores escritores y periodistas de los Estados Unidos...