Ambrose Bierce
Ambrose Bierce (1842-c. 1914) was an American writer, journalist, and satirist, celebrated for his dark, sardonic short stories and his mordant wit. A master of the macabre and the ironic twist, he was one of the most distinctive American voices of the late 19th century.
He is best known for chilling, tightly crafted short stories, especially those drawn from his experiences in the American Civil War, such as 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,' a masterpiece of suspense and its famous twist. He also wrote The Devil's Dictionary, a collection of brilliantly cynical, satirical definitions that remains widely quoted.
A fearless, acid-tongued journalist known as 'Bitter Bierce,' he vanished mysteriously around 1914 while travelling in revolutionary Mexico, and his fate has never been discovered — a fittingly dark end to a dark imagination.
His prose is sharp and precise. Our editions present it clearly for modern readers. Read a story free, and read or listen with a membership.
Ambrose Bierce in the library · 3 works
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Frequently asked questions about Ambrose Bierce
What did Ambrose Bierce write?
Bierce is famous for his short stories, especially his Civil War tales like 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' and 'Chickamauga,' and his horror stories. He also wrote The Devil's Dictionary, a collection of witty, cynical definitions, along with essays, poetry, and journalism. His short fiction and The Devil's Dictionary are his most enduring works.
What is 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' about?
It is a famous short story about a Southern planter about to be hanged by Union soldiers during the American Civil War. As he falls, the rope seems to break, and he appears to escape and race home to his family — but the story delivers a devastating twist. Its innovative structure and shocking ending have made it one of the most celebrated American short stories.
What is The Devil's Dictionary?
The Devil's Dictionary is Bierce's collection of satirical, cynical, and very funny redefinitions of common words, skewering human folly, hypocrisy, and self-deception. For example, he defines a 'bore' as 'a person who talks when you wish him to listen.' Sharp and quotable, it remains a classic of American humour and satire.
Where should I start with Ambrose Bierce?
'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' is the perfect starting point — short, gripping, and his most famous story. His other Civil War and horror tales are excellent next reads, and The Devil's Dictionary is delightful to dip into. His stories work well one at a time.
What happened to Ambrose Bierce?
In 1913, the elderly Bierce travelled to Mexico, then in the midst of revolution, reportedly to observe the fighting. He was never heard from again, and his fate remains one of the great literary mysteries. His mysterious disappearance around 1914 has fascinated readers ever since.
Are Bierce's stories hard to read?
Not at all — his prose is sharp, clear, and economical, and his stories are short and gripping. His dark irony and shocking twists make them compelling. A clear modern edition keeps all their precision and punch.
When did Ambrose Bierce live?
Bierce was born in 1842 and disappeared around 1914. A Civil War veteran, he became a famous and feared journalist and short-story writer in California, earning the nickname 'Bitter Bierce.' His writing career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where can I read Ambrose Bierce for free?
Bierce's works are in the public domain and freely available. Older editions keep the original text. Here you can read a story free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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