Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce
Oct 16, 2019
Dive into the mysterious disappearance of Ambrose Bierce, a journalist and writer known for his dark humor. The discussion unravels various theories about his fate, from illness to possibly orchestrating his own vanishing act. There’s an intriguing examination of his literary legacy and the way media has fictionalized his life. Highlights include the exploration of his impactful work and the skepticism surrounding his last letter, set against the backdrop of political chaos in Mexico.
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Ambrose Bierce: A Dark Humorist
- Ambrose Bierce, born in 1842, was a journalist and writer known for his dark humor.
- He's often compared to Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe, writing both horror stories and satirical commentary like The Devil's Dictionary.
Bierce's Disappearance
- Bierce mysteriously disappeared in December 1913 after traveling to Mexico.
- He was 71 years old and intended to join or document Pancho Villa's forces in the Mexican Revolution.
Intentional Obscurity?
- The mystery around Bierce's disappearance is deepened by conflicting accounts and his intentional obscurity.
- Disappearing was easier in 1913, making it difficult to determine what truly happened.
