A Son of the Gods & A Horseman in the Sky

by Ambrose Bierce

Excerpt from Manual of the Science of ReligionWhen two years ago I undertook, at the request of the publisher of a collection of theological manuals, to treat the Science of Religion, I at once realised that I was not required to write an encyclopaedia of the subject in question, or a book of reference in which all names should occur, but a manual which should present, in a readable shape, the present state of these studies, and distinguish between the safely established results and those questions which are as yet unsettled. I have worked therefore with this object in view, and have tried to bring the results of the studies that have been carried on in the Science of Religion nearer to students of theology and to all those who interest themselves generally in the history of civilisation. I need not here speak of the importance of these studies for theology as well as for philosophy, and a few remarks will suffice as to the manner in which I have tried to carry out my work.In the introductory section I have collected some material for solving the leading questions which occupy the Science of Religion.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. Excerpt from Manual of the Science of ReligionWhen two years ago I undertook, at the request of the publisher of a collection of theological manuals, to treat the Science of Religion, I at once realised that I was not required to write an encyclopaedia of the subject in question, or a book of reference in which all names should occur, but a manual which should present, in a readable shape, the present state of these studies, and distinguish between the safely established results and those questions which are as yet unsettled. I have worked therefore with this object in view, and have tried to bring the results of the studies that have been carried on in the Science of Religion nearer to students of theology and to all those who interest themselves generally in the history of civilisation. I need not here speak of the importance of these studies for theology as well as for philosophy, and a few remarks will suffice as to the manner in which I have tried to carry out my work.In the introductory section I have collected some material for solving the leading questions which occupy the Science of Religion.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, Fiction, Horror, Mystery

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1907

About the author

died perhaps 1914

Caustic wit and a strong sense of horror mark works, including In the Midst of Life (1891-1892) and The Devil's Dictionary (1906), of American writer Ambrose Gwinett Bierce.

People today best know this editorialist, journalist, and fabulist for his short story, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and his lexicon.

The informative sardonic view of human nature alongside his vehemence as a critic with his motto, "nothing matters," earned him the nickname "Bitter Bierce."

People knew Bierce despite his reputation as a searing critic, however, to encourage younger poet George Sterling and fiction author W.C. Morrow.

Bierce employed a distinctive style especially in his stories. This style often embraces an abrupt beginning, dark imagery, vague references to time, limited descriptions, the theme of war, and impossible events.

Bierce disappeared in December 1913 at the age of 71 years. People think that he traveled to Mexico to gain a firsthand perspective on ongoing revolution of that country.

Theories abound on a mystery, ultimate fate of Bierce. He in one of his final letters stated: "Good-bye. If you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags, please know that I think it is a pretty good way to depart this life. It beats old age, disease, or falling down the cellar stairs. To be a Gringo in Mexico--ah, that is euthanasia!"

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two marvelous Civil War stories.

A Son of the Gods is a study in bravery in the face of death.
A Horseman in the Sky is a study in duty and the horrors of choices in war.

Both are excellent!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both these stories are good but A Horseman in the Sky is impactful. I’d never read Bierce before though I was vaguely aware of him. Both stories are set during the civil war and was written contemporarily. I’ll be reading more from this author.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Introduction by W. C. Morrow ✔
A Son of the Gods 4⭐
A Horseman in the Sky 3.5⭐

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining listening 🎶🔰

Two will written short stories of the Civil War adventure thriller by Ambrose Bierce both about the investigation of the enemy forces. I would recommend this novella to readers of historical novels. Enjoy the adventure of novels 👍🔰 and books 📚. 2022

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is a smidgen misleading, but the story is quite captivating in its presentation of both gallantry and the often foolishness of war.

[~ riv ~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️1/5⭐️

Not for me.

[Audiobook Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYLnu...

[Arimi Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very simple book about war. Short and sweet. Although not a book I particularly enjoyed it made for a sweet audiobook to help pass the time. The English is simple and easy to understand.

[Gilles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think everyone who reads Ambrose Bierce knows his opinion on war. This book is nothing else and all one could expect on that matter. As well as one could expect a wonderfully written story that leaves one’s soul empty and broken after the last page.

An experience like nothing else, just as expected.

[Cathy Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Prose

Bierce is an author for the ages. His rare gift of bringing the reader into the story, will be his lasting contribution to his readers for years to come.

[Ivan Soto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as part of Classic American Literature: 13 books by Bierce in a single file, improved 1/7/2011 [Kindle Edition]

[victor miro quesada vargas · Rating 4 out of 5]

good quality work

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