The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce: Negligible Tales, On With the Dance, Epigrams

The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce: Negligible Tales, On With the Dance, Epigrams showcases the stylistic intricacies and thematic obsessions characteristic of Bierce's oeuvre. This compilation reveals his mastery in blending dark humor with incisive social commentary, offering readers a kaleidoscope of short stories, epigrams, and essays that defy conventional storytelling. Bierce frequently incorporates themes of absurdity, existential ennui, and the vagaries of human nature, while employing a sharp, ironic tone that places him within the American literary canon of the late 19th century, alongside contemporaries such as Mark Twain and Henry James. Ambrose Bierce, a complex figure in American literature, was both a distinguished journalist and a Civil War veteran whose experiences deeply influenced his writing. His sharp observations on life, death, and the human condition resonate throughout his works, stemming from a keen awareness of societal hypocrisy and the fragility of existence. His often skeptical perspective mirrors the disillusionment of his time, offering a poignant critique of both individual and collective human folly. Readers seeking a profound exploration of human truths, delivered with acerbic wit and poignant insight, will find The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce to be an essential addition to their literary collection. This volume not only serves as an invitation to engage with Bierce's unique worldview but also offers an enduring reflection on themes that remain relevant in contemporary discourse.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
— A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
— The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.
— A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
— A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
— A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
— Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
— Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.