Black Beetles in Amber

by Ambrose Bierce

Volume 5 of the "Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce" (title: "Black Beetles in Amber") is a facsimile reprint of the 250-copy limited edition of 1911.

Genres: Poetry, Classics

376 pages, Paperback

Published September 29, 2008

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

[A.E. Chandler]

I love Bierce, and angry poetry, and enjoyed a number of these poems. About half of them were about lesser-known political figures in nineteenth century America. There were some explanatory notes, saying this person was a governor and that one was a judge, but my lack of context lessened enjoyment of these satirical poems, though the people Bierce was lampooning probably deserved it. Like watching an episode of The Daily Show or Royal Canadian Air Farce one hundred fifty years from now, it feels like you’re only getting half the joke. Half is better than none, though. The satirical epitaphs collected at the end were especially pointed.

[Mariella Taylor]

Very 1800s romantic style poetry. Many pieces also remind me of the writing of Lewis Carroll. Enjoyable, but not super memorable. I'm still glad I read it though. Reminded me of how polished and yet unassuming stylized poetry can be.

[Ivan Soto]

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