According to American playwright Lillian Hellman, cynicism is an unpleasant way of telling the truth. Cynicism may be confronting but it can also be extremely witty and amusing - and strangely exhilarating. After all, telling the truth is the stock-in trade of the comedian.
The entries in this dictionary comprise caustic quotations by a variety of cynics and truth-tellers - ever-ready to prick the conceits and pomposities of their times.
Biographical details about the contributors are included at the end of the book.