Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was, among other things, a noted-and, in some corners, dreaded-literature and entertainment critic. His razor-sharp humor and his unfailingly cynical world view led him to compile the famous book from which this calendar takes its 313 entries (Saturdays and Sundays share a page). Examples: Absent, adj.: Exposed to the attacks of friends and acquaintances; defamed; slandered. Accordion, n.: An instrument in harmony with the sentiments of an assassin.