History by Ambrose Bierce (1909)
HISTORY, by Ambrose Bierce, is a collection of short stories that explore the human experience through time and space. The book covers various themes such as love, loss, war, and the passage of time. Each story is crafted with precision and depth, offering insights into the human condition. The author's unique voice and style make the stories both entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, HISTORY is a masterful work of literature that continues to captivate readers to this day.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1909 · Genre: Short Stories, Satire, Historical Fiction · 229 words
First lines
What wrecked the Roman power? One says vice, Another indolence, another dice.
Emascle says polygamy. "Not so," Says Impycu -- "twas luxury and show." The parson, lifting up a brow of brass, Swears superstition gave the "coup de grace", Great Allison, the statesman-chap affirms 'Twas lack of coins (croaks Medico: "T was worms") And John P. Jones the swift suggestion collars, Averring the no coins were silver dollars.
Thus, through the ages, each presuming quack Turns the poor corpse upon its rotten back, Holds a new "autopsy" and finds that death Resulted partly from the want of breath, But chiefly from some visitation sad That points his argument or serves his fad.
What this Textopian page supports
History is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Satire, Historical Fiction, Horror, War Literature
- Length: 229 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for History 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 History?
- How does this essay by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Apologue by Ambrose Bierce
- To Either by Ambrose Bierce
- A Lifted Finger by Ambrose Bierce
- Re Edified by Ambrose Bierce
- Uncalculating Zeal by Ambrose Bierce
- The Scurril Press by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Short Stories — Ambrose Bierce wrote mostly short stories and this book is a compilation of this medium
- Satire — Bierce's work often incorporated elements of satire and humor
- Historical Fiction — Despite the title, the book doesn't recount true historical events, but uses historical contexts to tell fictional stories.
- Horror — Some of the stories deal with supernatural elements and eerie, chilling atmospheres, characteristic of horror genre
Tags
historical fiction · literary fiction · classic literature · short stories · gothic fiction · supernatural fiction · horror fiction · satire · social commentary · political satire · philosophy · ethics