Showing results by author "Ambrose Bierce" in All Categories

Dive into the sharp wit and sharp-tongued insights of Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914?), a master satirist, critic, poet, and journalist. In The Devils Dictionary, Bierce artfully combines a concise writing style with a cynical perspective on human nature. Through a series of cleverly crafted, dictionary-style definitions, he invites readers to reflect on life’s absurdities with a touch of humor. (Summary by Peter)

Step into the intriguing world of Fiends Delight, a captivating collection of short stories by Ambrose Bierce, published in 1873. Known for his dark and macabre style, Bierce invites readers to explore a variety of themes that range from the callous to the bizarre. Drawing upon his experiences as a Civil War soldier, Bierces writing often reflects the harsh realities of life and death. Despite his personal struggles—including lifelong asthma and the tragic loss of his sons—his work remains a fascinating mix of humor and horror. His daughter, who believed her father was still alive long ...

First published in 1909, this compact yet powerful manual exposes the most common blunders of language and style, offering Bierce’s signature blend of precision, humor, and biting critique. From misused words and illogical phrases to lazy constructions and pompous diction, Bierce spares no one in his mission to defend the integrity of English prose.

Echoes of the Frontier gathers thirteen unforgettable tales by literary giants such as Jack London, Willa Cather, Mark Twain, and Bret Harte—each story capturing a different facet of life at the edge of civilization. From the perilous ride of The Denver Express to the poetic solitude of On the Divide, and from the chilling desperation of Love of Life to the dry wit of Nevada Sketches, these stories illuminate the grit, dreams, and humanity of those who dared to tame the wild.

Experience the haunting narratives of soldiers and civilians during the tumultuous American Civil War in this compelling collection of short stories. This LibriVox recording presents the 1909 edition, which thoughtfully incorporates six previously omitted stories from the original 1891 edition. Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce, a renowned American editorialist and satirist, masterfully weaves together tales that explore the complex and often dark aspects of human nature, reflecting his own experiences as a Union soldier. Known for his sharp wit and sardonic perspective, Bierces distinctive style ...

Step into the eerie world of Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914?), a masterful satirist, critic, poet, and journalist known for his sharp, economical writing style laced with a cynical view of human nature. His mysterious disappearance while observing Pancho Villa‚s army in 1913/14 adds an enigmatic layer to his legacy. In Present at a Hanging and Other Ghost Stories, Bierce weaves tales of spectral encounters that bridge the divide between the living and the deceased. Discover stories where restless spirits reach out with urgent messages or seek retribution. Journey through a series of chilling ...

The shadows grow longer, the air grows colder, and the season of spirits arrives. Within this first volume of Halloween Haunts are six classic stories that have chilled and fascinated listeners for generations.

Experience the definitive collection of war's enduring impact, brought to life by the commanding voice of Mike Vendetti.

Dive into the eerie world of Ambrose Bierce with Can Such Things Be?—a collection of 24 chilling short stories that epitomize his signature style. Perfect for reading or listening by the flickering light of a crackling fire, these tales of ghosts, apparitions, and the inexplicable invite you to explore the shadows. Set against the backdrop of Civil War battlefields, quaint country cottages, and bustling urban landscapes, each story challenges the boundaries of reality and whispers that anything is possible, at any moment. (Summary by Roger Melin)

Art and life. Each the mirror of the other. This then is the classic definition of what ‘Realism’ as a writing form really is. Some might call it a fancy term for the mundane day to day pursuits but in the hands of an author it comes alive. We are drawn into characters and landscapes that we can empathize with, we can, metaphorically speaking, help shoulder their burden, be on the long trail with them whatever the landscapes, the hurdles, incidents and other people may place in their literary way.

The inevitable is understood by each and every one of us who faces the final calling. So too are the effects on those left behind. The memories are there but the empty space, the void can never be refilled. It remains a dark, unreliable pit of loneliness. The sadness and often depression, the lack of will to continue may swamp us all. Unquenchable, undeniable. But loss can, after mourning, give the opportunity to reappraise the lost and how we can each move forward. In the literary world an accessible balance can be given.

A condemned man stands on the edge of a railroad bridge with a rope around his neck. The Union Army is preparing to hang him during a tumultuous period of the Civil War. His thoughts drift to that of his wife, his children, and his sacrifice for the great cause of the South.

Get ready for a dark and twisted tale with The Parenticide Club by Ambrose Bierce! In this short story, a group of men plot to kill their own parents in order to inherit their wealth, only to be haunted by the ghosts of their victims. With its macabre plot, chilling atmosphere, and themes of greed and guilt, The Parenticide Club is a must-listen for anyone who loves a good horror story. So why wait? Start listening to The Parenticide Club today and let Bierce's writing send a chill down your spine.https://www.solgood.org - Check out our Streaming Service for our full collection of audiobooks, ...

Get ready to have your mind opened and your perspectives challenged with The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce! This satirical dictionary features definitions of words and phrases that offer biting commentary on the human condition, poking fun at the foibles and hypocrisy of society. With its wit and humor, The Devil's Dictionary is a thought-provoking and entertaining listen that you won't want to miss. So why wait? Start listening to The Devil's Dictionary today and let Bierce's clever insights and humor stimulate your mind.https://www.solgood.org - Check out our Streaming Service for our...

A compilation of popular short stories from American literature narrated by professional voice actor Jake Phillips.

Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens’ across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author? Ambrose Bierce is an author whose words take us one way and then send us another. These miniature masterpieces all have a central truth and plausibility that seems to vanish in an ending that can be anything from wry, to shocking to hallucinatory.

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce was born on 24th June 1842 at Horse Cave Creek in Meigs County, Ohio. His parents were poor but they introduced him to literature at an early age, instilling in him a deep appreciation of books, the written word and the elegance of language. In 1891 Bierce wrote and published the collection of 26 short stories which included ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’. Success and further works including poetry followed.

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce was born on 24th June 1842 at Horse Cave Creek in Meigs County, Ohio. His parents were poor but they introduced him to literature at an early age, instilling in him a deep appreciation of books, the written word and the elegance of language. In 1891 Bierce wrote and published the collection of 26 short stories which included ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’. Success and further works including poetry followed.

While we tend to think of the great thinkers as hailing from Ancient Greece, the 20th century has had more than its fair share of sharp minds. "500 Quotations from the Great Philosophers of the 20th Century" is a collection of reflections, insights, and observations from some of the best brains of that era. A superb book for dipping in and out of, this makes a great gift for anyone with an interest in history or philosophy.

Die Kurzgeschichte ist das Genre der Vielfalt. Sie kann alles sein: heiter, abenteuerlich, nachdenklich, frivol, erotisch, schauerlich, satirisch und vieles andere mehr. Sie ist immer spannend und auf den Punkt genau erzählt. Lassen Sie sich von unserer Auswahl weltberühmter Kurzgeschichten in unbekannte und bunte Welten entführen.