This is a collection of short stories by Ambrose Bierce, divided into tales of soldiers and civilians. Many stories draw on Bierce's experience in the American Civil War, exploring themes of fate, fear, and the surreal aspects of conflict. The stories are known for their concise style and unexpected twists, making them compelling to listen to for readers interested in psychological and war fiction.
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Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
Collected works of Ambrose Bierce, vol 2, Soldiers and Civilians
Originally Published 1909
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
Denied existence by the chief publishing houses of the country, this book owes itself to Mr. E. L. G. Steele, merchant, of this city. In attesting Mr. Steele's faith in his judgment and his friend, it will serve its author's main and best ambition.
A. B.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 4, 1891.
CONTENTS
A HORSEMAN IN THE SKY
15
AN OCCURRENCE AT OWL CREEK BRIDGE
27
CHICKAMAUGA
46
A SON OF THE GODS
58
ONE OF THE MISSING
71
KILLED AT RESACA
93
THE AFFAIR AT COULTER'S NOTCH
105
THE COUP DE GRÂCE 122 PARKER ADDERSON, PHILOSOPHER 133 AN AFFAIR OF OUTPOSTS 146 THE STORY OF A CONSCIENCE 165 ONE KIND OF OFFICER 178 ONE OFFICER, ONE MAN 197 GEORGE THURSTON 209 THE MOCKING-BIRD 218 CIVILIANS THE MAN OUT OF THE NOSE 233 AN ADVENTURE AT BROWNVILLE 247 THE FAMOUS GILSON BEQUEST 266 THE APPLICANT 281 A WATCHER BY THE DEAD 290
THE MAN AND THE SNAKE 311 A HOLY TERROR 324 THE SUITABLE SURROUNDINGS 350 THE BOARDED WINDOW 364 A LADY FROM RED HORSE 373 THE EYES OF THE PANTHER 385 SOLDIERS
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