The Ambrose Bierce Satanic Reader: Selections from the Invective journalism of the Great Satirist

First Printing of the First US Edition - Hardcover

If there were a patron saint of newspapermen, Ambrose Gwinnett Bierece would have no serious competition for the assignment. The very mention of his name to literate members of the working press sends them into envious reverie. With over 350 previously unknown examples of America's great 19th century iconoclast at work, the present compilation is a feast of social and journalistic satire to be enjoyed by anyone who likes free speech and concedes the frailty of the human race.

For over 40 years, Bierce had the virtual monopoly in this department, earning him the reputation of 'The Wickedest Man in San Francisco' - a misnomer, perhaps, for Bierce was acutely responsive to the wrongs, idiocies and inconsistencies of humanity, using sharply honed wit as his weapon rather than rage. In this volume, his writings are arranged under 13 headings ranging from Crime and the Law to the Church to Economic Regimentation. Typical comments include: 'Woman would be more charming if one could fall into her arms without falling into her hands.'

Bierce was a prolific and versatile writer whose entire life was overcast by a somber view of man and his weaknesses. Thus, his rediscovery as a spiritual predecessor of today's black humourists is what gives Bierce's work such amazing modern relevance.

If there were a patron saint of newspapermen, Ambrose Gwinnett Bierece would have no serious competition for the assignment. The very mention of his name to literate members of the working press sends them into envious reverie. With over 350 previously unknown examples of America's great 19th century iconoclast at work, the present compilation is a feast of social and journalistic satire to be enjoyed by anyone who likes free speech and concedes the frailty of the human race.

For over 40 years, Bierce had the virtual monopoly in this department, earning him the reputation of 'The Wickedest Man in San Francisco' - a misnomer, perhaps, for Bierce was acutely responsive to the wrongs, idiocies and inconsistencies of humanity, using sharply honed wit as his weapon rather than rage. In this volume, his writings are arranged under 13 headings ranging from Crime and the Law to the Church to Economic Regimentation. Typical comments include: 'Woman would be more charming if one could fall into her arms without falling into her hands.'

Bierce was a prolific and versatile writer whose entire life was overcast by a somber view of man and his weaknesses. Thus, his rediscovery as a spiritual predecessor of today's black humourists is what gives Bierce's work such amazing modern relevance.

Book Cover Type:

• Hardcover

ISBN:


Genre:

• Literature
• Society & culture
• Humor & comedy

Author:
Ambrose Bierce

Pages:
237

Condition:

• Fair (F)

Language Version:

• ENG- English

Target Audience:

• Adults