To "Colonel" Dan Burns
The book "TO 'COLONEL' DAN. BURNS" by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that follows the journey of a man named Dan Burns, who is on a mission to find his missing brother. Along the way, he encounters various characters and experiences different situations that challenge his beliefs and values. The story is known for its use of irony and satire, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, morality, and the nature of human relationships. Is there anything else you would like to know about this book?
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1879 · Genre: Satire, Short Stories, War · 300 words
First lines
They say, my lord, that you're a Warwick. Well, The title's an absurd one, I believe: You make no kings, you have no kings to sell, Though really 'twere easy to conceive You stuffing half-a-dozen up your sleeve.
No, you're no Warwick, skillful from the shell To hatch out sovereigns. On a mare's nest, maybe, You'd incubate a little jackass baby.
I fancy, too, that it is naught but stuff, This "power" that you're said to be "behind The throne." I'm sure 'twere accurate enough To represent you simply as inclined To push poor Markham (ailing in his mind And body, which were never very tough) Round in an invalid's wheeled chair. Such menial Employment to low natures is congenial.
What this Textopian page supports
To "Colonel" Dan Burns is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1879 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: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Short Stories, War, Historical Fiction, American Literature
- Length: 300 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for To "Colonel" Dan Burns by Ambrose Bierce
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Similar titles
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- From The Minutes by Ambrose Bierce
- The Scurril Press by Ambrose Bierce
- Consolation by Ambrose Bierce
- Tinker Dick by Ambrose Bierce
- Visions Of Sin by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Satire — Bierce is known for his biting wit and criticism, often using satire to convey his points.
- Short Stories — The book contains several short works, written individually but presented collectively.
- War — Many of Bierce's works, including this one, draw on his experiences in the Civil War.
- Historical Fiction — The book takes place in a bygone era, making it a work of historical fiction.
Tags
historical fiction · war story · military history · American Civil War · soldiers' tales · adventure novel · classic literature · 19th century literature · short stories · ghost story · supernatural · psychological horror