When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
BIERCE, Ambrose. The Devil’s Dictionary. Introduction by Louis Kronenberger. Woodcut illustrations by Fritz Kredel. New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1972.
Limited edition of 1,500 copies, this being No. 734, signed by illustrator Fritz Kredel on the limitation page. Designed by Eugene M. Ettenberg and printed at the Stinehour Press in Lunenburg, Vermont.
A particularly attractive edition of Ambrose Bierce’s celebrated masterpiece of cynical wit and satirical lexicography. Bierce’s famously acerbic definitions turn the conventional dictionary on its head, lampooning politics, religion, society, human vanity, and morality with the dark humor for which he became renowned. This Limited Editions Club production is illustrated throughout with woodcuts by noted German-American illustrator Fritz Kredel, including the striking color title-page illustration.
Bound in black cloth with contrasting red leather spine and gilt rules, the spine lettered and decorated in gilt with a black leather title label; gilt devil device to the front board. Top edge stained red. Complete with the original glassine wrapper and striking red-and-black marbled paper slipcase with printed spine label.
The book itself is exceptionally well preserved, with clean, bright boards and strong gilt; internally clean and fresh. The original glassine shows toning and some wear/chipping, particularly around the spine ends. Slipcase remains attractive with light shelf wear.
An unusually complete and visually striking example, retaining both its original glassine and publisher’s slipcase, and signed by Fritz Kredel. A desirable edition of one of the great classics of American satire and dark humor.
