Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce (1842–1914?) was an American short story writer, journalist, poet, and Civil War veteran. His writing, characterized by a sardonic view of human nature and often quite dark, aligns him with the realist and naturalist traditions. Bierce's most famous work is 'The Devil's Dictionary,' a satirical lexicon that showcases his cynical wit. Another notable work is the short story collection 'Tales of Soldiers and Civilians' (1891), which includes his renowned story 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.' Bierce's fiction demonstrated his mastery of the twist ending and psychological horror, making him an early influencer of the modern horror genre. He is also known for 'In the Midst of Life' and 'Can Such Things Be?', collections which further amplified the depth of his grim perspective on life and war. 'The Shipwreckollection,' while not as well-known as his aforementioned works, likely follows in the grim, vivid style that hallmarks Bierce's writing. Bierce's literary style presents a blend of macabre imagination and the sharp wit of a veteran journalist. His life story is as enigmatic as his fiction - Bierce disappeared in Mexico in 1913 after traveling there to witness the Mexican Revolution, and his fate remains a mystery. His extensive contributions to American literature have cemented his reputation as a significant, if somewhat obscure, figure in the shaping of American literary taste and tradition.