Civil War Stories (Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories)

This slim book contains, as the title suggests, short stories about the American Civil War, several of which appear to be memoirs rather than fiction. Bierce fought in the war on the Union side. Although I have read a number of Civil War books, I think this is the first that was written by a veteran of that war. (Shame on me.)The sixteen short stories form a striking and illuminating set; honest, at times brutally so, about the gore and the cost of war, yet allowing improbabilities when it serves the narrative. Individually, the stories are very strong. Collectively, their similarities in tone and storytelling technique made them slightly less effective. I anticipated turns in the tales, some of which might otherwise have surprised me. I read the book, intermittently, over six weeks, but maybe should have stretched it out longer.It is hard to single out a favorite story, but I particularly liked "Four Days in Dixie," which appears to be autobiographical, and which uses humor to offset the terrible plight in which the narrator finds himself.Highly recommended.

Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914?) who in my opinion, while not as well known as other American fiction writters, non the less deserves greater recgnition and readership. Bierce was best know for the sardonic wit and grim houmor of his short stories regarding the supernatural, macbre, and the grim reality of life and death. The seventeen US Civil War stories collected here are some of the best examples of Bierce’s fiction. Relying heavily on his own experiences of the War, he describes the darker side of human nature in grim, unflinching narratives. In the characters, we see glimpses of Bierce’s own personality: alienation, gallows wit and fatalism. I believe many adult reader will enjoy reading some, if not all of the stories in this collection.

I hadn't read any Ambrose Bierce since my schooldays, so long ago, when sadly I was forced to and rebelled against the compulsion. Now I wish that initial experience hadn't soured me for so long. Bierce is the absolute master of the short story and devoted much of his formidable talent to the American Civil War, which he portrays as no other short-form writer has ever done. Scathingly clear-eyed about the dreadful banality and cynicism of war and how it brings out the best and worst in men (no women soldiers in those pre-feminist days); unerringly accurate in his depiction of how soldiers come to see the battlefield as an ordinary place; searing in his characterisation of the all-too common officer heedless of the welfare of the men over whom he has power of life and death. Beautifully written, enlightening reading for those who have never been to war - and an unsettling reminder for those who have. This book is a true gift to posterity from a literary giant delving among the entrails of the ghastliest of all topics. Most highly recommended.

I only knew of his darkly funny 'Devil's Dictionary' and was pleasantly surprised at how readable and intense his mind-nineteenth century prose remains. It is all short stories written from the viewpoint of those actually fighting the war. The stories feature twisty endings and are replete with honor , gallantry , glory and , yes, honor. These epitomes have disappeared almost completely in our times and many won't enjoy or even believe that men have lost their lives for them as short a period of time ago as 1861-1865. Yet they did. They did things differently in the past. I highly recommend this short pure American jewel.

Bierce has the edge of writing from the perspective of one who was there, and he makes you a part of the action, as though you were in a cyclorama - think Gettysburg or Atlanta. His stories remind me of Karl Marlantes, writing of his experiences as a Marine officer in Vietnam. His title is 'Matterhorn' and his is a book about his tour of combat (already a classic.) Just as with Bierce you're in the moment. And both writers portray the senselessness, banality and cruelty of war. Both also share a taste for the twist, ne the denouement in the 3rd act.Bierce, while being exceptional, also writes in the style of the late 19th century. At that he'll impact you emotionally in a way that's rare. Other reviews here are quite good, and quite descriptive, but you must read it for yourself. Terrific!

Just received this book today. Looks fine BUT VERY SMALL PRINT.

I kept this book in my car and read it while meeting up with people or if I was grabbing a coffee. I think it made me show up to things a lot earlier so I would have reading time - like a half hour early so I could read a story.There are lots of books like this one where you can get an actual idea of what the Civil War was like. I would recommend reading this or the many others if you think taking down Jim Crowe era statues is eliminating history.

Ambrose Bierce was an acerbic, conceited, misfit of a man often in conflict with those around him but his distance from people allowed him to observe them with a laser focus. These are not your standard war stories of bravery, cowardice and conflict although all these elements are here in abundance, no, these stories are about the Twilight Zone ending, the Rod Serling irony, the fickle twist of fate, the opposite being true of the obvious. No wonder "An Occurance At Owl Creek Bridge" was the only Twilight Zone not produced by Serling. Ambrose Bierce had already produced it as though he had The Zone in mind as he was writing it. All of these stories will stay with you long after you have closed the pages.

Wonderful writer, but I think it was G.A. Custer that said “All Ambrose Bierce writes about is death.” Truly great writing but his stories are unremittingly bleak. Death is the be all and end all, humanity is subsumed by a pointless nihilism. A work to consume a hundred paracetamol by!

This series of CW stories took me completely by surprise. The stories contain episodes that detail the horror of battle yet also the kindness of opponents for each other. Each short story stands alone but together they build to leave the reader with a new understanding of how 19th century battle would be transformed by the oncoming 20th century weapons. I can recommend this title for just that little bit different perspective of a truly tragic episode in the history of this country.

Hi Folks. really enjoyed this book, one of those ones that you wish it was 10 times longer. When I finished it I went straight to the kindle shop and bought the rest of the authors work. looking forward to more good reads.

Ambrose ha assembled a fine collection of stories, each with a compelling emotional conclusion.The true genius is his harnessing of the horrific consequences of war which soldiers face, regardless of era.This collection might as well have been written about Afghanistan or Iraq as it was about the Civil War.

Some thoughtful stories, though l would have liked more action.l have read better tales but certainly l have read worse. Worth a read .