Bøger af Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce (June 24, 1842 - c.¿1914) was an American short story writer, journalist, poet, and American Civil War veteran. His book The Devil's Dictionary was named as one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature" by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. His story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" has been described as "one of the most famous and frequently anthologized stories in American literature", and his book Tales of Soldiers and Civilians (also published as In the Midst of Life) was named by the Grolier Club as one of the 100 most influential American books printed before 1900.A prolific and versatile writer, Bierce was regarded as one of the most influential journalists in the United States, and as a pioneering writer of realist fiction. For his horror writing, Michael Dirda ranked him alongside Edgar Allan Poe and H. P. Lovecraft. S. T. Joshi speculates that he may well be the greatest satirist America has ever produced, and in this regard can take his place with such figures as Juvenal, Swift, and Voltaire. His war stories influenced Stephen Crane, Ernest Hemingway, and others, and he was considered an influential and feared literary critic. In recent decades Bierce has gained wider respect as a fabulist and for his poetry.In 1913, Bierce told reporters that he was travelling to Mexico to gain first-hand experience of the Mexican Revolution. He disappeared and was never seen again. (wikipedia.org)

Die Klassiker des Horror-Genres von Poe über Stevenson bis Bram Stoker kommen in dieser Sammlung zu Wort. Ihre Erzählungen sind der schauerlichen Romantik verbunden, dem Übernatürlichen, welches sich der wissenschaftlichen Erklärung widersetzt: Geheimnisvoll wirken zerstörerische Kräfte im Abgrund der menschlichen Seele. Doch kann das Schauerliche auch hinüberreichen ins Bizarre, Absurde, Groteske. Und dann entsteht ein Humor, den man getrost makaber nennen darf. Gruselgeschichten, die jeder mag.

‘100 Quotes by Ambrose Bierce’ is a selection of thoughts, observations, and sayings by one of the most inventive minds of the 19th century. Bierce’s obsession with the preposterousness of death takes centre stage, shot through with pithy humour, and comments on human nature. A superb read for fans of horror and historical fiction alike, this book is an excellent addition to any library. Born in Ohio, Ambrose Bierce (1842 – 1914) became one of the most influential writers in American literary history. After fighting in the American Civil War, where he got severely wounded, Bierce moved to San Francisco. A writer for ‘Hearst Magazines’ until 1909, Bierce carved out a formidable reputation as a journalist, with his experiences in the Civil War laying the foundations for many of his literary works. His style highlighted the futility of war and questioned the importance of dying for beliefs, rather than knowledge. In addition to writing about the gritty absurdities of war, Bierce became a respected writer of horror, his stories acting as inspiration for various TV shows and films, including ‘The Twilight Zone,’ and ‘Old Gringo,’ starring Jane Fonda and Gregory Peck.