The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce

by Ambrose Bierce

Also "Parker Adderson, Philosopher," "An Affair of Outposts," "The Story of a Conscience," "One Kind of Officer," "One Officer, One Man," "George Thurston," "The Mocking-Bird" and tales of Civilians, including "The Man out of the Nose," "An Adventure at Brownville," "The Famous Gilson Bequest," "The Applicant," "A Watcher by the Dead," "The Man and the Snake," "A Holy Terror," "The Suitable Surroundings," "The Boarded Window," "A Lady from Redhors" and "The Eyes of the Panther."

251 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2005

About the author

died perhaps 1914

Caustic wit and a strong sense of horror mark works, including In the Midst of Life (1891-1892) and The Devil's Dictionary (1906), of American writer Ambrose Gwinett Bierce.

People today best know this editorialist, journalist, and fabulist for his short story, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and his lexicon.

The informative sardonic view of human nature alongside his vehemence as a critic with his motto, "nothing matters," earned him the nickname "Bitter Bierce."

People knew Bierce despite his reputation as a searing critic, however, to encourage younger poet George Sterling and fiction author W.C. Morrow.

Bierce employed a distinctive style especially in his stories. This style often embraces an abrupt beginning, dark imagery, vague references to time, limited descriptions, the theme of war, and impossible events.

Bierce disappeared in December 1913 at the age of 71 years. People think that he traveled to Mexico to gain a firsthand perspective on ongoing revolution of that country.

Theories abound on a mystery, ultimate fate of Bierce. He in one of his final letters stated: "Good-bye. If you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags, please know that I think it is a pretty good way to depart this life. It beats old age, disease, or falling down the cellar stairs. To be a Gringo in Mexico--ah, that is euthanasia!"