Bøger af Ambrose Bierce

In this collection of satiric essays, Ambrose Bierce offers his provoking outlook on a series of subjects. This collection includes, "Civilization", "Immortality", "The Death Penalty", "The Gift o' Gab", "Natura Benigna", "Emancipated Woman", "A Mad World", and "Epigrams of a Cynic".Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, critic, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for "The Devil's Dictionary" (1911). He dominated the horror genre as the preeminent innovator of supernatural storytelling in the period between the death of Edgar Allan Poe and the rise of H.P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s death was as mysterious as his strange stories; sometime around 1914 he left for Mexico, wanting to experience the Mexican Revolution firsthand, and was never to be seen again.

The stories featured in this collection detail the lives of soldiers and civilians during the American Civil War. Bierce served as a union soldier during the Civil War and his experiences as a soldier served as an inspiration for his writing, particularly for the Soldiers section. In this way, Bierce's anticipates and parallels the work of Ernest Hemingway's, just as his civilian tales later influenced horror writers.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, critic, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for The Devil's Dictionary (1911). He dominated the horror genre as the preeminent innovator of supernatural storytelling in the period between the death of Edgar Allan Poe and the rise of H.P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s death was as mysterious as his strange stories; sometime around 1914 he left for Mexico, wanting to experience the Mexican Revolution firsthand, and was never to be seen again.

"The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter" tells the tale of 17th century monk Ambrosius, who meets a young girl named Benedicta, a hangman’s daughter, who is shunned by her community because of her father’s profession. A friendship develops between the two, and when the girl’s virtue gets corrupted, Ambrosius is ready to fight for her. It is a story of friendship, love, morality, and redemption.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, critic, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for The Devil's Dictionary (1911). He dominated the horror genre as the preeminent innovator of supernatural storytelling in the period between the death of Edgar Allan Poe and the rise of H.P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s death was as mysterious as his strange stories; sometime around 1914 he left for Mexico, wanting to experience the Mexican Revolution firsthand, and was never to be seen again.

"Present at a Hanging and Other Ghost Stories" features fifteen ghost and horror stories. Included in this collection are: "The Way of Ghosts", "Soldier Folk", "Some Haunted Houses" and "Mysterious Disappeances".Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, critic, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for "The Devil's Dictionary" (1911). He dominated the horror genre as the preeminent innovator of supernatural storytelling in the period between the death of Edgar Allan Poe and the rise of H.P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s death was as mysterious as his strange stories; sometime around 1914 he left for Mexico, wanting to experience the Mexican Revolution firsthand, and was never to be seen again.

While most of us have heard of the likes of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, there is a host of less-famous philosophers who have just as much to say.‘400 Quotes from Little-known Philosophers’ is a collection of thoughts, observations, and reflections made by those that history hasn’t chosen for the Big League.Spanning the centuries, these quotes are just as fascinating, insightful, and relevant, as those whose names are synonymous with philosophy.A superb and inspirational book to browse through, ‘400 Quotes from Little-known Philosophers’ is ideal for anyone needing a bit of extra motivation throughout their day.Born in Ohio, Ambrose Bierce (1842 – 1914) went on to write one of the greatest American novels of all time, ‘The Devil’s Dictionary.’ A Romanian, Emil Cioran (1911 – 1995) was an acclaimed philosopher, who embraced nihilism and pessimism in his ideology.A former slave, Epictetus (50 AD – C 135) went on to promote philosophy as a way of life rather than a set of beliefs. Gaston Bachelard (1884 – 1962) was born in Bar-sur-Aube and went on to become an important scientific philosopher.

While we tend to think of the great thinkers as hailing from Ancient Greece, the 20th century has had more than its fair share of sharp minds.‘500 Quotations from the Great Philosophers of the 20th Century’ is a collection of reflections, insights, and observations from some of the best brains of that era.A superb book for dipping in and out of, this makes a great gift for anyone with an interest in history or philosophy.Born in Ohio, Ambrose Bierce (1842 – 1914) went on to write one of the greatest American novels of all time, ‘The Devil’s Dictionary.’ Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) was an Austrian neurologist who founded the science of psychoanalysis. A Romanian, Emil Cioran (1911-1995) was an acclaimed philosopher who embraced nihilism and pessimism in his ideology.One of the founders of analytical psychology, Carl Jung (1875 – 1961) was a Swiss psychoanalyst and psychologist who had a huge impact on psychology as a science. Gaston Bachelard (1884 – 1962) was born in Bar-sur-Aube and went on to become an important scientific philosopher.

‘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.

400 citations de philosophes méconnus

500 citations des grands philosophes du XXe siècle

Much of Bierce’s work revolves around the foolish idea of a glorious war, the idea that there is glory in death and violence. This theme can be seen in the title itself, it is a bloody violent battle but it is merely an ‘Affair’, as such occurrences are regular, everyday things. This is a story which focuses on the divide that the Civil War wreaked in America, tearing families and friendships apart.In this story we follow a Union brigade as they push the retreating Confederate army deeper in to their own territory. The retreating army guards a perilous pass for which Captain Coulter, a Union soldier from a Southern family is sent to take.It is a heart-breaking tale, fraught with brutal imagery much like Mel Gibson’s ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American author, journalist, critic and soldier, best known for his works of horror and fiction. He was a truly talented writer whose ability was not bound to one genre. His works of horror draw honourable comparison to Edgar Allan Poe and H.P Lovecraft while his more humorous, satirical work draws the comparison to such literary greats as Jonathan Swift and Voltaire. Bierce’s ‘The Devils Dictionary’ has been named one of ‘The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature’. His war stories such as ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ and ‘Tales of Soldiers and Civilians’ are amongst his best works and are said to have inspired Ernest Hemingway and Stephen Crane. Even Bierce’s end is as mysterious as one of his own tales, travelling to Mexico to cover the revolution first-hand but never being heard or seen from again.

Dr. Helberson and his friends, Harper and Mancher, are enjoying a night of smoking and drinking in the good doctor’s office when a question arises. Is a fear of the dead curable?The doctor believes it absolutely is and sets about organising a wager with his friends. They find a local gambler named Jarette and bet a large sum of money on whether he can spend the night locked in a room with a corpse without losing his mind.A haunting tale full of monstrous imagery, which deftly displays Bierce’s terrifying mastery of the horror genre.If you loved ‘The Conjuring’ you will love this classic ghost story.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American author, journalist, critic and soldier, best known for his works of horror and fiction. He was a truly talented writer whose ability was not bound to one genre.His works of horror draw honourable comparison to Edgar Allan Poe and H.P Lovecraft while his more humorous, satirical work draws the comparison to such literary greats as Jonathan Swift and Voltaire. Bierce’s ‘The Devils Dictionary’ has been named one of ‘The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature’. His war stories such as ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ and ‘Tales of Soldiers and Civilians’ are amongst his best works and are said to have inspired Ernest Hemingway and Stephen Crane.Even Bierce’s end is as mysterious as one of his own tales, travelling to Mexico to cover the revolution first-hand but never being heard or seen from again.

Anatole France est un écrivain français, considéré comme l'un des plus grands de l'époque de la Troisième République, dont il a également été un des plus importants critiques littéraires. Il devient une des consciences les plus significatives de son temps en s'engageant en faveur de nombreuses causes sociales et politiques du début du xxe siècle. Il reçoit le prix Nobel de littérature pour l'ensemble de son œuvre en 1921.Ces 100 citations visent à donner accès à son œuvre monumentale par une sélection de ses pensées les plus marquantes, dans un format accessible à tous. Une citation est plus qu'un extrait d'un propos, ce peut être un trait d'esprit, un résumé d'une pensée complexe, une maxime, une ouverture sur une réflexion plus profonde.

Ambrose Bierce est un écrivain et journaliste américain, assez peu connu en France. Il est essentiellement connu comme l'auteur du Dictionnaire du Diable et de nouvelles d'humour noir relevant fréquemment du genre fantastique. Bierce a écrit près d'une centaine de nouvelles, très souvent sur la mort de l'individu et son absurdité. Notamment les nouvelles du recueil Morts violentes consacré aux horreurs de la guerre de Sécession. Ces 100 citations visent à donner accès à son œuvre monumentale par une sélection de ses pensées les plus marquantes, dans un format accessible à tous. Une citation est plus qu'un extrait d'un propos, ce peut être un trait d'esprit, un résumé d'une pensée complexe, une maxime, une ouverture sur une réflexion plus profonde.

This gripping short, powered by stunning imagery, will have you questioning everything right up to the final brutal twist.In the midst of the Civil War, Jerome Searing is given the task of scouting ahead for the Confederate rear guard. After some time he catches up to the retreating Secessionists and in a fit of rage takes aim at one of the soldiers but just before he can pull the trigger, cannon fire erupts around him. Jerome is knocked unconscious and when he awakes he finds himself trapped under a mass of wood and rock with his rifle pointing squarely in his face.It is a novel in the same vein as Bierce’s ‘ An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’, exploring the hopeless brutality of war and the foolish idea that there is glory in the brutality of violence.Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914) was an American author and journalist, best known for his horror and fiction stories. Bierce was often called "Bitter Bierce" because of his cynicism and sardonic view of human nature. His point of view transpires mainly in "The Devil’s Dictionary", a work which was named as one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature".Other popular works by Bierce are "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "Tales of Soldiers and Civilians". Ambrose Bierce’s interesting life ended as if it had been plotted by himself. The last that is known of him is a letter he wrote to a friend, which said "I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination", and he was never seen again.

Ambrose Bierces "Ein psychologischer Schiffsbruch" ist die Geschichte einer mysteriösen Überfahrt von Liverpool nach New York. Andreas Fröhlich liest diese Gruselgeschichte in einer ungekürzten Fassung.

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.

Ambrose Bierce versteht es meisterhaft, in unglaublich schöner Sprache unglaublich schauerliche Geschichten zu erzählen: "Zwei helle Punkte bestirnten das Dunkel mit rötlich-grünem Glühen: Die Augen eines Panthers..." Natürlich schießt der Protagonist sofort auf die bedrohliche Bestie ... Andreas Fröhlich liest diese schaurig-schöne Gruselgeschichte in einer ungekürzten Lesung.

Mit ins Fegefeuer getauchter Feder schreibt Luzifer sein Lexikon. Bissig und geistreich nimmt er die Menschenwelt von A wie Affe bis Z wie Zukunft aufs Korn: AFFE, engl. MONKEY - Ein Tier, das sich auf Bäumen zu Hause fühlt, besonders auf Stammbäumen. ZUKUNFT, engl. FUTURE - Eine Zeit, in der das Geschäft floriert, die Freunde zu uns halten und uns das Glück sicher ist.

Ambrose Bierces Geschichten sind in einer wunderbar poetischen Sprache geschrieben, aber zugleich unglaublich schauerlich. Ein Mann betritt das Zimmer in dem die Leiche liegt, die Tür schließt sich wie von selbst und das Geräusch von einem Schlüssel, der im Türschloss gedreht wird, ist zu hören. Diese Totenwache erfolgt nicht freiwillig ... Andreas Fröhlich erzählt diese schaurig-schöne Gruselgeschichte in einer ungekürzten Lesung.

First published in 1890, ‘The Middle Toe of the Right Foot’ is a classic ghost story from famous American author Ambrose Bierce. A gruesome and horrifying murder has taken place. Manton, the only one left alive, flees the scene, leaving the house empty and abandoned. When a group of young men stumble across the empty property many years later, strange and unexplainable things start to happen. A terrifying tale suitable for all horror lovers.Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914) was an American author, journalist, and poet, best known for his horror and fiction stories. Born in Ohio to a large family, Bierce left home at 15 to become a printer’s apprentice. Bierce saw action during the American Civil War, and his terrifying experiences were recounted in horrifying and realistic detail in many of his stories such as ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ and ‘One of the Missing’. Bierce also become known for his ghost and psychological horror stories, as well as his poetry. One of his most famous works is ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ which contained satirical definitions of English words. Bierce wrote a letter to a friend in 1913 stating ‘I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination’ before mysteriously vanishing without a trace.

Corde au cou, pieds et poings liés, et surveillé par une poignée de soldat, un homme contemple la rivière qui coule sous le pont où il va être pendu. Les secondes s'égrènent jusqu'à sa mort inévitable ; le tic-tac d'une montre l'effraie. Si seulement il pouvait se débarrasser des nœuds, sauter dans l'eau pour éviter les balles, s'enfuir par les bois et retrouver sa femme et ses enfants...Cette nouvelle est la plus célèbre d'Ambrose Bierce et constitue un incontournable de la littérature américaine. Elle dénonce les horreurs et injustices de la guerre, et plonge aux cœurs des pensées d'un condamné à mort.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) est considéré comme le maître de la nouvelle américaine. Mobilisé pour la guerre de sécession, puis blessé à la tête, il se consacre au journalisme et à une littérature marquée par ses expériences de combats et les carnages de la guerre. Il est connu pour son Dictionnaire du Diable et ses nouvelles d'humour noir et fantastique, telles que « Un incident au pont d’Owl-Creek » ou « l’Homme et le Serpent ».

Buried treasure. An abandoned cemetery. An inexperienced gravedigger. What could go wrong? When Jefferson Doman learns of a generous treasure left by an old friend, he locates the supposed burial site - the grave of a mysterious woman named Scarry. As he begins to dig, he uncovers much more than just treasure. Ambrose Bierce’s ‘A Holy Terror’ follows the misadventures of Jefferson Doman and the bizarre, disturbing, and inexplicable things that he encounters along the way. Sparing descriptions, a fast pace, and an irresistible mystery make this story unmissable for fans of Jack London, Mark Twain, and H.P Lovecraft.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American author and journalist. Affectionately known as ‘Bitter Bierce’, his horror and fiction stories are famed for their cynicism, obscurity, and sardonic view of human nature. Some of his most notable works include ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge', ‘Tales of Soldiers and Civilians’ and ‘The Moonlit Road’.

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and Other Tales" is a collection of 23 stories by the American author Ambrose Bierce. It consists of some of the author’s best known works such as "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge", "Chickamauga", "A Horseman in the Sky" and many others.The American Civil War, execution of plantation owner, twist endings, stream of consciousness narration, soldiers who are morally challenged, horses running through the sky, murder and supernatural occurrences. The collection of stories promises to take up not only those, but also more intriguing cases.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Ambrose Bierce was an American author and journalist who lived in the period 1842 – 1914. He is best known for his horror short stories, but he was also considered to be one of the pioneering writers of realist fiction. Ambrose Bierce was often called "Bitter Bierce" because of his cynicism and sardonic view of human nature, a point of view which transpires mainly in "The Devil’s Dictionary", a work which was named as one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature". Other popular works by Bierce are "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "Tales of Soldiers and Civilians". Ambrose Bierce’s interesting life ended as if it had been plotted by himself. The last that is known of him is a letter he wrote to a friend, which said "I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination", and he was never seen again.

A man named Manton killed his wife and his two children and managed to get away with it. Ten years later he returns to the house where the crime was committed. He is recognized by the locals and he is provoked into a duel which is to be held in the haunted house where Manton killed his family. The locals were aiming to scare Manton away. However, the day after the duel Manton was found dead.Was it Manton’s opponent who had killed him or had the ghost of his past caught up to him? Find out the answers in Ambrose Bierce’s ghost story "The Middle Toe of the Right Foot".B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Ambrose Bierce was an American author and journalist who lived in the period 1842 – 1914. He is best known for his horror short stories, but he was also considered to be one of the pioneering writers of realist fiction. Ambrose Bierce was often called "Bitter Bierce" because of his cynicism and sardonic view of human nature, a point of view which transpires mainly in "The Devil’s Dictionary", a work which was named as one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature". Other popular works by Bierce are "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "Tales of Soldiers and Civilians". Ambrose Bierce’s interesting life ended as if it had been plotted by himself. The last that is known of him is a letter he wrote to a friend, which said "I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination", and he was never seen again.

Monk Ambrosius arrives at a rural monastery and the last thing he expects to happen is to be drawn into sympathy with a young girl. Her name is Benedicta, the local hangman’s daughter. Ambrosius is not allowed to spend time with Benedicta but he opposes his superiors and stands by her side until a young impetuous man confronts him.The battle between mind and heart is fierce. Find out what will prevail in Ambrose Bierce’s story "The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter".B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Ambrose Bierce was an American author and journalist who lived in the period 1842 – 1914. He is best known for his horror short stories, but he was also considered to be one of the pioneering writers of realist fiction. Ambrose Bierce was often called "Bitter Bierce" because of his cynicism and sardonic view of human nature, a point of view which transpires mainly in "The Devil’s Dictionary", a work which was named as one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature". Other popular works by Bierce are "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "Tales of Soldiers and Civilians". Ambrose Bierce’s interesting life ended as if it had been plotted by himself. The last that is known of him is a letter he wrote to a friend, which said "I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination", and he was never seen again.

"The Parenticide Club" features four short-stories about a family murder, as seen from the eye of its most innocent member, who just might be the murderer himself. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, critic, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for The Devil's Dictionary (1911). He dominated the horror genre as the preeminent innovator of supernatural storytelling in the period between the death of Edgar Allan Poe and the rise of H.P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s death was as mysterious as his strange stories; sometime around 1914 he left for Mexico, wanting to experience the Mexican Revolution firsthand, and was never to be seen again.

Joel Hetman Jr. is summoned home because his mother was found dead. The only thing his father saw was an unknown man fleeing their home. The murderer was never found and the crime case turned to a mystery. One night Joel and his father were walking down a moonlit road when suddenly the father saw a pale figure. Was it a ghost or was he going crazy?Joel will finally find out what happened to his mother. "The Moonlit Road" by Ambrose Bierce holds all the answers.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Ambrose Bierce was an American author and journalist who lived in the period 1842 – 1914. He is best known for his horror short stories, but he was also considered to be one of the pioneering writers of realist fiction. Ambrose Bierce was often called "Bitter Bierce" because of his cynicism and sardonic view of human nature, a point of view which transpires mainly in "The Devil’s Dictionary", a work which was named as one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature". Other popular works by Bierce are "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "Tales of Soldiers and Civilians". Ambrose Bierce’s interesting life ended as if it had been plotted by himself. The last that is known of him is a letter he wrote to a friend, which said "I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination", and he was never seen again.

Halpin Frayser awakes from a dreamless sleep and the only thing in his mind was the words "Catherine Larue". Frayer feels a shiver down his spine because this was not the first strange thing he had experienced that day. Earlier, he was hunting in the forest but he could feel that something was not quite right. The picture of a haunted forest dripping with blood had come up in his mind. He had seen himself writing a poem with blood. The corpse of his mother had been in front of him.When one day later a detective finds Frayser’s lifeless body, many questions begin to arise.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Ambrose Bierce was an American author and journalist who lived in the period 1842 – 1914. He is best known for his horror short stories, but he was also considered to be one of the pioneering writers of realist fiction. Ambrose Bierce was often called "Bitter Bierce" because of his cynicism and sardonic view of human nature, a point of view which transpires mainly in "The Devil’s Dictionary", a work which was named as one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature". Other popular works by Bierce are "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "Tales of Soldiers and Civilians". Ambrose Bierce’s interesting life ended as if it had been plotted by himself. The last that is known of him is a letter he wrote to a friend, which said "I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination", and he was never seen again.

In "Iconoclastic Memories of the Civil War: Bits of Autobiography," Bierce recounts some of his experiences as a soldier. At the outset of the American Civil War, Bierce enlisted in the Union Army's 9th Indiana Infantry Regiment. In February 1862 he was commissioned First Lieutenant, and served on the staff of General William Babcock Hazen as a topographical engineer, making maps of likely battlefields. Bierce fought at the Battle of Shiloh (April 1862), a terrifying experience that became a source for several later short-stories as well as the memoir, "What I Saw of Shiloh". In June 1864, he sustained a serious head wound at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, and spent the rest of the summer on furlough, returning to active duty in September. He was discharged from the army in January 1865. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, critic, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for "The Devil's Dictionary" (1911). He dominated the horror genre as the preeminent innovator of supernatural storytelling in the period between the death of Edgar Allan Poe and the rise of H.P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s death was as mysterious as his strange stories; sometime around 1914 he left for Mexico, wanting to experience the Mexican Revolution firsthand, and was never to be seen again.

La strada al chiaro di luna è un racconto gotico dell’orrore apparso per la prima volta sul cosmopolitan nel 1907. La storia presenta la storia dell’omicidio di una donna dalla prospettiva del figlio, del marito e di se stessa, tramite un medium. Ambrose Bierce con "La strada al chiaro di luna", una storia in bilico tra mistery e ghost story, si rivela tale ancora una volta. Una donna viene uccisa nella notte, come e perché lo si scoprirà grazie a tre diverse testimonianze, una delle quali – la più struggente e toccante – fornita proprio dalla vittima tramite un medium.La ricostruzione affidata ai diversi punti di vista ha ispirato un film che appartiene alla storia del cinema con la maiuscola: "Rashomon" (Leone d’Oro e Oscar) di Akira Kurosawa. Dalla storia è tratto anche un film tv di Massimo Manuelli nel 1980.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) è un autore capitale della letteratura americana. Considerato l’unico vero erede di Edgar Allan Poe, è stato un inquieto giramondo dalla vita avventurosa. Non a caso di lui non si hanno più notizie dal 1914, quando cioè finì inghiottito dalla rivoluzione messicana. Per descrivere la sua narrativa si usano abitualmente parole come: macabro, grottesco, terrificante, sanguinolento, diabolico. Tra i pionieri del genere "fantascienza", ha lasciato una indimenticabile testimonianza della Guerra di Secessione americana nei racconti "neri "ad essa dedicati.