Ambrose Bierce was a legendary American writer known for his cynicism and biting wit. He gained local fame in the San Francisco literary scene as a newspaper and magazine columnist, and his short stories, often set during the American Civil War, cemented his place in American literature. Despite his vivid imagination and sharp satire, Bierce's work was underappreciated during his lifetime, only to be celebrated by later generations.

Formative Years

Ambrose Gwinett Bierce was born in Horse Cave Creek, Ohio, as the tenth of thirteen children in the Bierce family. The family relocated to Indiana when Bierce was four, where books and a strong religious upbringing influenced his formative years. By fifteen, he was learning the ropes as a printer’s apprentice, and at seventeen, he joined the Kentucky Military Institute. His education there was cut short by the outbreak of the Civil War, where he enlisted in the Ninth Regiment of the Indiana Volunteers. His military service was marked by commendations for bravery, a head wound, and promotions, eventually reaching the rank of lieutenant.

Post-War Life and Career

After the Civil War, Bierce worked for the federal government, retrieving Confederate cotton, and later took part in a survey expedition to the West. This expedition brought him to San Francisco, a city that became his home and the platform for his writing career. Bierce's acerbic wit found expression in his "Town Crier" column for the News-Letter, where he used humor and sarcasm to critique public figures and institutions. Although his sharp commentary made him many enemies, it also garnered a dedicated readership. Eager for broader recognition, Bierce published poems, essays, and stories in various outlets, although national acclaim eluded him for some time.

London Interlude and "The Devil's Dictionary"

In 1871, Bierce married Molly Day, and the couple spent their honeymoon in London. There, Bierce wrote for Fun and Figaro under the alias Dod Grile. During his time in London, he published anthologies of his columns and fiction, including the famed The Devil’s Dictionary in 1906. This work comprised satirical definitions, showcasing Bierce’s renowned cynicism. For example, he amusingly described happiness as "an agreeable sensation arising from contemplating the misery of another." Although not as celebrated as his stories, The Devil’s Dictionary continues to entertain with its clever wordplay.

Literary Success and "In the Midst of Life"

Bierce's reputation as a master of short stories was firmly established with the 1891 release of Tales of Soldiers and Civilians, later known as In the Midst of Life. These tales, filled with unexpected twists, supernatural elements, and a keen sense of irony, distinguished Bierce from his contemporaries. His tales defied the realist literary trends of the era, opting instead for imaginative storytelling that blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Bierce’s commitment to nonrealism—crafting stories that stretched the imagination—left him outside the mainstream, but laid the groundwork for his posthumous recognition.

Classic Stories and Themes

Among the stories in In the Midst of Life, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "Chickamauga" stand out as two of the most frequently anthologized works in American literature. Both stories, set during the Civil War, are renowned for their haunting narratives and unexpected endings. "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" captures the momentary illusion of a condemned man's escape from execution, while "Chickamauga" presents a chilling tale through the eyes of a deaf-mute child amidst the horrors of war. These stories, with their dreamlike qualities and jarring realities, reflect Bierce’s unique style.

Other Notable Works

Bierce's flair for the macabre and improbable is evident in other stories from In the Midst of...