California by Ambrose Bierce (1903)
"California" is a short story collection written by Ambrose Bierce and published in 1894. The collection includes 25 stories, each with its own unique plot and characters. The stories are set in various locations throughout California during the late 19th century and explore themes of love, loss, greed, and redemption. Some of the most notable stories in the collection include "The Old Man," about an elderly man who seeks revenge against a group of young thieves; "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," which follows a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War; and "Chickamauga," a tale of love and loss set during the Chickamauga Battlefield. Overall, "California" is a thought-provoking and engaging collection of short stories that offer a glimpse into the lives of people living in California during the late 19th century.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1903 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War Literature, Political Fiction · 396 words
First lines
[The Chinaman's Assailant was allowed to walk quietly away, although the street was filled with pedestrians. -- "Newspaper".]
Why should he not have been allowed To thread with peaceful feet the crowd Which filled that Christian street? The Decalogue he had observed, From Faith in Jesus had not swerved, And scorning pious platitudes, He saw in the Beatitudes A lamp to guide his feet.
What this Textopian page supports
California is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, War Literature, Political Fiction
- Length: 396 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for California by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering California?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Old Stone House by Anna Katharine Green
- Over The Border by Ambrose Bierce
- Foxglove Manor Volume Ii by Robert W. Buchanan
- A Coward by Ambrose Bierce
- A Whipper In by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative covers significant historical events in California, deeply rooted in the state's past and highlighting key shaping moments.
- War Literature — The book touches upon military conflicts that took place in California during the 19th century, particularly focusing on the American Civil War.
- Political Fiction — The narrative discusses the political and legislative landscape of the state, exploring themes of power and governance.
Tags
gothic · horror · fiction · literature · american · west coast · adventure · mystery · thriller · supernatural · paranormal · historical