Stories

Ambrose Bierce was classified among the classics of American literature in the mid-20th century; by that time, the writer had long been dead. He would likely have been surprised to learn that his fame was brought about by dark stories and tales infused with a cynical view of life in the style of "gothic prose." About a dozen of them have entered the golden fund of American classics. Ambrose wrote them more for a narrow circle of admirers than for a wide audience, to whom Bierce was primarily known as a talented journalist who harshly condemned the vices of American society at the end of the 19th century. The remnants of youthful romanticism were lost to Ambrose during the Civil War, to which he, a native of a poor, large farming family, volunteered. Bierce went through all the major battles, realized the meaninglessness of sacrifices, and settled in San Francisco. Pride prevented him from returning to previous casual earnings — Bierce retired with the rank of officer. His talent as a writer helped him find his own independent path in life.