Ambrose Bierce
Ambrose Bierce was an American short story writer, journalist, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for his satirical work 'The Devil's Dictionary' and his short story 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.'
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Boarded Window
In this eerie tale set in the dense forests of the American frontier, a man lives a solitary existence in a cabin with a peculiar boarded window. The narrative delves into the man's past, revealing a heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and the supernatural. As the story unfolds, the reason behind the boarded window is disclosed, intertwining the man's fate with a chilling encounter that blurs the line between the living and the dead. This short story masterfully combines elements of horror and tragedy, showcasing the author's skill in creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers with the reader.
The 3661st Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Collected Writings
The Devil's Dictionary, Tales, and Memoirs
"Collected Writings" is an anthology that brings together the diverse and sardonic works of a prominent American writer known for his sharp wit and cynical view of human nature. The collection spans various genres, including satirical essays, short stories, and journalism, showcasing the author's mastery of dark humor and his fascination with the macabre. Among the most notable pieces are a satirical lexicon that lampoons social and political conventions, and a series of haunting tales that delve into the supernatural and the psychological. The compilation serves as a testament to the author's influential voice in American literature and his enduring legacy as a craftsman of incisive and often unsettling prose.
The 4293rd Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Chickamauga
The story follows a young, deaf-mute boy who wanders away from his home and into the woods, where he becomes enthralled by the sights and sounds of nature. As he continues his exploration, he stumbles upon the aftermath of a brutal Civil War battle, witnessing the horrors of war firsthand. Unaware of the gravity of the situation, the boy is initially fascinated by the wounded soldiers and the chaotic scene. However, his innocence is shattered when he returns home to find his house in flames and his mother dead, forcing him to confront the grim realities of conflict and loss.
The 4299th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Death Of Halpin Frayser
The story follows Halpin Frayser, who experiences a terrifying encounter with the supernatural in a forest. After falling asleep beneath a tree, he dreams of a mysterious and ominous presence, which turns out to be the ghost of his deceased mother. The narrative intertwines themes of death, the supernatural, and the blurred line between dreams and reality, creating an eerie atmosphere as Frayser grapples with the haunting realization of his mother's vengeful spirit. The tale explores the psychological and emotional turmoil of confronting familial bonds beyond the grave.
The 4299th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. The Complete Short Stories Of Ambrose Bierce
"The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" is a collection of gripping and thought-provoking tales that showcase the author's mastery of the short story form. Bierce's stories delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche, exploring themes of war, death, and the supernatural. With his sharp wit and incisive writing style, Bierce crafts narratives that are both entertaining and deeply unsettling, leaving readers pondering the complexities of the human condition long after they have finished reading.
The 4391st Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Can Such Things Be?
The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce
This collection of short stories and tales delves into the eerie and supernatural, exploring themes of fear, the unknown, and the macabre. Through a series of chilling narratives, the book presents a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, often leading to unsettling and thought-provoking conclusions. The stories are characterized by their dark humor, unexpected twists, and a keen exploration of human nature's darker aspects, leaving readers to ponder the mysteries and horrors that might lurk just beyond the veil of the ordinary.
The 5328th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Ghost And Horror Stories Of Ambrose Bierce
This collection features a series of chilling tales that delve into the supernatural and macabre, showcasing the dark and eerie imagination of the author. The stories explore themes of death, the afterlife, and the inexplicable, often blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. With a keen sense of irony and a penchant for unexpected twists, the narratives captivate readers with their haunting atmospheres and unsettling conclusions, leaving a lasting impression of dread and curiosity about the unknown.
The 5328th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. In The Midst Of Life
Tales of Soldiers and Civilians
The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the grim realities of war and the human condition, often highlighting the brutality and futility of conflict. Through vivid and sometimes unsettling narratives, the stories explore themes of death, fear, and the psychological turmoil experienced by soldiers and civilians alike. The author employs a sharp, satirical style to critique the romanticized notions of heroism and honor, instead presenting a stark, unflinching portrayal of the chaos and moral ambiguity inherent in wartime experiences.
The 5328th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a haunting narrative about a Confederate sympathizer during the American Civil War, who is sentenced to death by hanging from the Owl Creek Bridge. As he awaits his fate, he slips into a profound daydream where he escapes his executioners and returns to his family. However, the story takes a sharp turn when it's revealed that his escape was merely a hallucination in the final moments before his death.
The 10595th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. An Occurence At Owl Creek Bridge
The story revolves around Peyton Farquhar, a Southern planter during the American Civil War, who faces execution by hanging from a railroad bridge. As he is about to be hanged, the rope seemingly breaks, allowing him to escape into the river below. He experiences a vivid journey back to his home, filled with intense sensory details and a desperate longing to reunite with his family. However, just as he is about to embrace his wife, it is revealed that his escape was a mere illusion experienced in the final moments before his death, and he is, in fact, hanging lifeless from the bridge.
