Ambrose Bierce

American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist, and satirist
Questions and Answers

FAQ

Q: Who was Ambrose Bierce?
A: Ambrose Bierce was an American writer, journalist, and civil war veteran known for his distinctive style and cynical view of human nature. He wrote various short stories, essays, and poems.
Q: When and where was Ambrose Bierce born?
A: Ambrose Bierce was born on June 24, 1842, in Horse Cave Creek, Meigs County, Ohio, United States.
Q: Did Ambrose Bierce have any military experience?
A: Yes, Ambrose Bierce served as a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He saw action in several notable battles, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Chickamauga.
Q: What famous short stories did Ambrose Bierce write?
A: Ambrose Bierce is best known for his short stories, including "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," "The Boarded Window," and "The Devil's Dictionary."
Q: What is "The Devil's Dictionary"?
A: "The Devil's Dictionary" is a satirical dictionary that Ambrose Bierce published in 1906. It offers humorous and ironic definitions of various English words, often highlighting hypocrisy and absurdity in society.
Q: What happened to Ambrose Bierce?
A: The exact circumstances of Ambrose Bierce's disappearance are unknown. In 1914, at the age of 71, he traveled to Mexico and joined the revolutionary army of Pancho Villa. He was last heard from in December 1913, and his ultimate fate remains a mystery.
Q: Did Ambrose Bierce publish any other works?
A: Yes, Ambrose Bierce published numerous works throughout his career. In addition to his short stories and "The Devil's Dictionary," he wrote essays, poems, and even a memoir called "What I Saw of Shiloh."
Q: Was Ambrose Bierce involved in journalism?
A: Yes, Ambrose Bierce had a successful career as a journalist. He worked for various newspapers and magazines, including the San Francisco Examiner, where he wrote a popular column called "Prattle."
Q: Was Ambrose Bierce well-received as a writer during his lifetime?
A: Ambrose Bierce gained recognition as a writer, but he did not achieve significant commercial success during his lifetime. It was only after his disappearance that his works gained wider acclaim.
Q: What is the legacy of Ambrose Bierce?
A: Ambrose Bierce is considered one of America's greatest writers of the nineteenth century. His unique style, dark humor, and critical viewpoint continue to influence literature and inspire writers to this day.