What on Earth Became of Ambrose Bierce?

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'Chickamauga' by Ambrose Bierce portrays the horrors of war through the eyes of a young, deaf-mute boy. Lost in the woods, the boy encounters wounded and dying soldiers retreating from battle. Unaware of the grim reality, he perceives their suffering as a game and mimics their movements. He leads the soldiers to his home, only to find it destroyed and his mother dead. The story culminates in a chilling revelation of the boy's innocence amidst the brutal carnage. Bierce's unflinching depiction of violence and the boy's inability to comprehend it creates a haunting and disturbing narrative.

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Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days" follows the adventurous journey of Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman, who wagers he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Accompanied by his French valet, Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a thrilling race against time, encountering various challenges and exciting adventures along the way. The novel explores themes of adventure, determination, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Verne's detailed descriptions of different cultures and landscapes add to the story's immersive quality. The novel's enduring popularity stems from its captivating plot and timeless themes.

The novel follows Tom Sawyer, a rebellious and imaginative boy, as he navigates his childhood in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. Tom's adventures include tricking his friends into painting a fence, running away to an island with his friends Huck Finn and Joe Harper, witnessing a murder in a graveyard, and getting lost in a cave with his love interest Becky Thatcher. The story explores themes of childhood, friendship, and the transition from boyhood to maturity, set against the backdrop of a small town along the Mississippi River.

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Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a masterclass in suspense and narrative manipulation. The story follows Peyton Farquhar, a Southern planter condemned to hang during the American Civil War. Bierce expertly plays with time, shifting between Farquhar's impending execution, a vivid escape fantasy, and the brutal reality of his death. The story's ambiguous ending leaves the reader questioning the nature of reality and perception. Its innovative structure and psychological depth have cemented its place as a classic of American literature. The story's exploration of time, perception, and the human psyche continues to resonate with readers today.

'The Devil and All His Works' is a non-fiction exploration of the occult, witchcraft, and black magic. Wheatley examines the historical and contemporary manifestations of Satanism, from ancient rituals to modern practices. He delves into the lives and beliefs of prominent figures associated with the occult, such as Aleister Crowley and Gilles de Rais. Wheatley explores the history of witchcraft, demonology, and various occult practices, providing a comprehensive overview of the dark arts. The book seeks to reveal the hidden influences of the occult on society, warning against the dangers of dabbling in the supernatural.

First published in 1911, 'The Devil's Dictionary' is a collection of satirical definitions written by Ambrose Bierce. The book is a critique of the societal norms and values of Bierce's time, using humor and irony to redefine common words. It is known for its clever and often biting definitions that reflect Bierce's skeptical view of human nature and society.