A Cynic Looks at Life

Bierce's alphabetical list of the words and phrases he could not stand, with a short, sharp reason for each. A quick read that still helps anyone who wants to write with more precision.

Ambrose Bierce

His essays on civilization, politics, law, religion and the death penalty, collected in 1909. Bierce argues against almost everything his readers believed, and does it with wit.

Ambrose Bierce

Satirical poems from 1892 aimed at the politicians, preachers and poets of his time. Bierce wanted to preserve his enemies like insects in amber, and he did.

Ambrose Bierce

His second book of verse, from 1903, with satirical attacks next to more personal and serious poems. It shows a side of Bierce most readers of his stories never meet.

Ambrose Bierce

The letters Bierce wrote to younger writers and friends, with advice on style, opinions on books and glimpses of his private life, up to his last trip to Mexico. Includes a memoir by the poet George Sterling.

Ambrose Bierce