The Fiend's Delight
Ambrose Bierce
Jun 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
94
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About this ebook
In 'The Fiend's Delight,' Ambrose Bierce, under the pseudonym Dod Grile, presents a collection of scathing satirical tales that reflect the cynicism and dark wit for which Bierce is renowned. The narratives contained within, drawn from Californian journals, are marked by a macabre humor and an incisive critique of the human condition. Bierce employs his signature style—a blend of sharp irony and morose themes—to captivate and disturb his readers, establishing 'The Fiend's Delight' as an enduring piece within the gothic and satirical literary traditions of the late 19th century. The literary context bears the indelible marks of Bierce's experiences in the American Civil War and his storied career as a pioneering journalist and short story writer, both of which deeply inform the book's composition and tone. Ambrose Bierce's career and personal history provide significant insight into the creation of 'The Fiend's Delight.' A veteran of some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and a renowned figure in the rollicking journalistic landscape of the postwar era, Bierce's acerbic and often controversial prose was shaped by his exposure to human folly and the chaos of conflict. These elements converge within the pages of 'The Fiend's Delight,' where Bierce delivers a fierce commentary on society through his perversely entertaining vignettes. Bierce's work here is less a product of its time than a precursor to the nihilistic and black humor that would come to the forefront of literary consciousness in the following century. 'The Fiend's Delight' comes highly recommended for connoisseurs of classic American literature, especially those fascinated by the darker recesses of the human psyche. Scholars and general readers alike will find Bierce's rare combination of sardonic humor and profound pessimism both enlightening and chillingly relevant, even in the modern context. This collection will particularly appeal to those who appreciate literature that dares to probe the complexities and absurdities of human nature, while serving as a testament to Bierce's enduring legacy as a master of the macabre and a cynical observer of the human spectacle.
About the author
Ambrose Bierce, born on June 24, 1842, in Meigs County, Ohio, left an indelible mark on American literature with his sardonic wit and dark, stylistically innovative prose. Bierce's varied literary career spanned journalism, editorial work, and the crafting of short stories that seared into the public consciousness. Perhaps best known for his devilishly clever short story 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge', Bierce brought a unique and cynical perspective to his fiction and essays that often explored the macabre and the supernatural. His collection 'The Fiend's Delight' is a testament to his literary style, which was marked by a keen awareness of the human condition and an often morbid sense of humor. Bierce's work prefigured the modernist sensibility and displayed an early inclination towards what would later be viewed as literary modernism. A contemporary of Mark Twain and a precursor to H.P. Lovecraft, Bierce's contribution to American literature is seen in his mastery of the short story form and his influence on the horror genre. His biting social commentary and unabashed cynicism have led to his recognition as a significant figure in the American literary canon, even as details of his death—disappearing in Mexico in 1914—remain shrouded in mystery, adding a final layer of intrigue to an already compelling literary legacy.
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