The Scurril Press by Ambrose Bierce
The Scurryl Press by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that explores the themes of technology, society, and the human condition. The story is set in a future where a machine called the Scurryl Press has been invented, which can produce an infinite number of books in a matter of seconds. The protagonist, a man named Jenkins, becomes obsessed with the Scurryl Press and spends all of his time using it to create books. However, as he becomes more and more immersed in the machine, he begins to lose touch with reality and his relationships with those around him suffer. The story raises questions about the impact of technology on society and the importance of human connection in our lives. Bierce's use of satire and irony adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it both thought-provoking and entertaining. Overall, The Scurryl Press is a classic example of Bierce's wit and social commentary, and it continues to be relevant today.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1895 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, Historical Fiction · 1,189 words
First lines
TOM JONESMITH "(loquitur)": I've slept right through The night -- a rather clever thing to do.
How soundly women sleep "(looks at his wife.)" They're all alike. The sweetest thing in life Is woman when she lies with folded tongue, Its toil completed and its day-song sung. ("Thump") That's the morning paper. What a bore That it should be delivered at the door.
What this Textopian page supports
The Scurril Press is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Horror, War literature
- Length: 1,189 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Scurril Press 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 The Scurril Press?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Unfinished Race by Ambrose Bierce
- Uncalculating Zeal by Ambrose Bierce
- Tidings Of Good by Ambrose Bierce
- Magnanimity by Ambrose Bierce
- A Lifted Finger by Ambrose Bierce
- Consolation by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — As with many of Bierce's works, this book includes elements of satire, highlighting and critiquing societal issues.
- Short Stories — Bierce's writing often includes brief, compact narratives, thereby placing his work in the short stories genre.
- Historical Fiction — Bierce often incorporates historical context and events into his writing, leading to elements reminiscent of the historical fiction genre.
- Horror — Known for his dark and grim writings, Bierce's works often carry elements of the horror genre.
Tags
gothic fiction · horror · supernatural · mystery · thriller · suspense · literary fiction · american literature · 19th century literature · short stories · anthology · dark humor