THE CYNIC'S WORD BOOK
New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1906. First Edition, BInding state "B". Hardcover. Octavo, 8.1 in. x 5.3 in., pp. [iv], 233, [1]. No printer's imprint to copyright page, with leaf stems on spine pointed upwards. Olive green cloth boards with rose title and rose and black floral desogn stamped to front. Black title and rose and black leaf design to spine. Light shelfwear to corners and spine ends. Two faded moisture drops to rear board. Touch of rubbing to author's name on front board. Bottom front corner slightly nudged. Previous owner's name to front free endpaper. Light age-toning to leaves. Good Plus. Item #100792
Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) began writing his sharp, cynical definitions in 1881 for a weekly newspaper. When a collection was finally compiled into a standalone book in 1906, the publisher forced the title The Cynic's Word Book upon him due to religious scruples regarding the word "Devil". Because the original book was limited in bulk, it only included words from letters A through L. A complete version covering the entire alphabet was eventually published under Bierce's chosen title, The Devil's Dictionary, in 1911.
Price: $325.00