Ashes of the Beacon

"Ashes of the Beacon" purports to be "An Historical Monograph Written in 4930" and gives a few indications concerning the lamentable failure of "self-government" in America. It is less amusing and more analytical; and while practically everyone will find much in it to disagree with, there is also plenty to think about. Though generally conservative and frequently pigheaded, Bierce is neither a fool nor a hypocrite, and he makes his points with thoroughgoing clarity. His work as a whole is a lifelong battle against woolly thinking, murky logic and bad writing. Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce (1842 – 1914?) was an American satirist, critic, poet, editor and journalist. Bierce became a prolific author of short stories often humorous and sometimes bitter or macabre. He spoke out against oppression and supported civil and religious freedoms. He also wrote numerous Civil War stories from first-hand experience. Many of his works are ranked among other esteemed American authors' like Edgar Allen Poe, Stephen Crane, and Mark Twain.

Ambrose Bierce, an American journalist, short story writer, and satirist, was born on June 24, 1842, in Meigs County, Ohio, and his end remains shrouded in mystery, having disappeared in Mexico circa 1914. A veteran of the American Civil War, Bierce's experiences deeply influenced his writing, leading him to be known for his dark and sardonic view of human nature. His literary style is characterized by his economical and unadorned prose, often laced with gallows humor and a profound sense of the macabre. Bierce's most significant work is 'The Devil's Dictionary,' a satirical lexicon that showcases his cynical wit. However, he also authored 'Ashes of the Beacon,' a collection of essays that provides a critical view of American social and political issues of his time. His short story, 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,' further cemented his reputation as a master of psychological horror and the twist ending. Bierce's contributions to the craft of short stories and journalism were significant, and his sharp literary style continues to be studied and admired. Despite his presumed death over a century ago, Ambrose Bierce's legacy endures through his contributions to the American Gothic literature tradition and the enduring relevance of his work in understanding the darker aspects of the human experience.