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Ambrose Bierce: A Biography
Hardcover
Literary FiguresLiterary Criticism19th Century United States History
ISBN13: 9781025265841
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 378
Weight: 1.55
Height: 0.88 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
Ambrose Bierce: A Biography provides a comprehensive exploration of the life and career of one of America's most enigmatic and acerbic literary figures. Written by Carey McWilliams, this work delves into the complex personality and professional journey of the man famously known as Bitter Bierce. From his harrowing experiences during the American Civil War to his rise as a formidable journalist, critic, and short story writer in San Francisco, the narrative captures the essence of a writer who defined the cynical edge of late nineteenth-century literature.
The biography examines Bierce's most influential works, including The Devil's Dictionary and his haunting tales of the supernatural and the macabre. McWilliams expertly traces the influences that shaped Bierce's biting wit and his uncompromising commitment to truth, as well as the personal tragedies and professional rivalries that marked his path. A central focus of the work is the enduring mystery of Bierce's final years-his sudden departure for Mexico during its revolution and his subsequent disappearance into legend. This study serves as an essential resource for understanding the historical context and psychological depth of a writer whose mastery of the short story and satirical prose continues to influence modern literature.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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