Ambrose Bierce
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Major Issues Major IssuesIt must seem ironic to biographical critics that a writer who wrote so many tales about violence, murder, and death should die himself in mysterious and unknown circumstances. The story of Ambrose Bierce’s own death has never been told. The bitterness and cynicism that permeates Bierce’s work has received much critical commentary. While some reviewers label his outlook desperately morbid, others argue that his writing is black humor. He is certainly recognized as a master satirist. Bierce’s structural hallmarks include: careful, manipulative, narrative plotting; the employment of unusual, and sometimes despicable, narrators; and shocking revelations. The military, crime, and the supernatural are favorite Bierce subjects. Author LinksAmbrose Bierce: Master of the MacabreExtensive biographical, critical essay which covers Bierce’s life, major themes, and style. Like Television Movies: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Watch a 28 minute movie of the short story in your anthology, directed by Robert Enrico. The Devil’s Dictionary Online version of Bierce’s most famous work, his irreverent, satiric, bitter dictionary. Almost sure to offend some readers. "Death is Not the End" Bierce’s last letter to his niece before his mysterious disappearance in 1913.
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