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"Can Such Things Be?" is a collection of short stories by Ambrose Bierce, whose first edition appeared in 1893.24 short stories in fairly typical Bierce fashion - ghostly, spooky, to be read (or listened to) in the dark, perhaps with a light crackling fire burning dimly in the background. Stories of ghosts, apparitions, and strange, inexplicable occurrences are prevalent in these tales, some of which occur on or near Civil War fields of battle, some in country cottages, and some within urban areas. "Can Such Things Be?" implies and relates that anything is possible, at any time.

Ambrose Bierce es uno de los más célebres y cínicos escritores de la literatura norteamericana. El diccionario del diablo es ya un clásico universal, conocido por su despiadado ingenio cáustico, cuyas puas van dirigidas a la politica, los negocios, la religion, la literatura y las artes. En este mordaz diccionario de epigramas, que el autor fue perfeccionando a lo largo de treinta años, Bierce deja en evidencia la estupidez, intolerancia y falsedad de la sociedad de su tiempo. La edicion que presentamos es una seleccion de las definiciones de mas vigencia para un lector actual, acompañadas de las viñetas de Alberto Montt, dibujante chileno conocido por sus ilustraciones satiricas.

Editor: E. Haldeman-Julius

In "A Cynic Looks at Life," Ambrose Bierce presents a compelling exploration of human nature through the lens of his characteristic sarcasm and wit. This collection of aphorisms and observations critiques societal norms, morality, and the absurdities of life, often with a penetrating clarity that reveals the darker aspects of human existence. Bierces literary style deftly mingles humor with biting cynicism, encapsulating the mood of post-Civil War America, where disillusionment was rampant and traditional values were under scrutiny. His astute observations, while succinct, provoke deep reflections on the inherent contradictions of society. Ambrose Bierce, an author, journalist, and Civil War veteran, is best known for his satirical and scathing outlook on life. His experiences during the war deeply influenced his worldview, leading him to question the very values that are often held sacred. Bierces background in journalism and editorial writing provided him with a unique platform to express his thoughts with piercing clarity, making his works a rich tapestry of insight and commentary. "A Cynic Looks at Life" is a thought-provoking read that challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about society and human behavior. For those who appreciate sharp wit combined with profound philosophical musings, Bierces work offers a compelling reflection on life that remains relevant and resonant.

In "Cobwebs from an Empty Skull," Ambrose Bierce presents a striking collection of essays and biting satire that encapsulates his acerbic wit and profound skepticism. Using a poignant and often humorous literary style, Bierce delves into the absurdities of human existence and societal conventions. The book is richly textured with his trademark cynicism, reflecting the intellectual currents of his time, including the influence of realism and naturalism, which sought to depict the world as it is, devoid of romantic illusion. Each piece serves as a mirror to the moral and philosophical vacuity of his contemporaries, wrapped in a conversational tone that engages while it critiques. Ambrose Bierce, a renowned war correspondent and journalist, was deeply influenced by his experiences during the Civil War, which shaped his worldview and literary voice. His disillusionment with human nature and societal injustices is palpably reflected in this work, as he critiques political and social institutions with a sharpness born from years of observing the human condition. Bierces multifaceted career as an editor and writer demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of society, which he masterfully portrays through his essays. "Cobwebs from an Empty Skull" is essential reading for anyone intrigued by the intersection of humor, critical thought, and societal analysis. Bierces ability to blend levity with profound truths renders this collection not only entertaining but thought-provoking. This book invites readers to engage with Bierces incisive brand of wisdom, making it a significant addition to the canon of American literature for those interested in the darker aspects of human nature and society.

El "Diccionario del Diablo" de Ambrose Bierce es una obra maestra de la prosa satírica que presenta un compendio ingenioso de definiciones que retuercen el significado tradicional de las palabras. Publicado por primera vez en 1906, el libro se sumerge en un estilo mordaz y provocador, mostrando el ingenio agudo de Bierce en el contexto de una America cambiante, marcada por tensiones sociales y politicas. En un tiempo donde la moralidad y las normas sociales eran discutidas y a menudo desafiadas, el autor utiliza el diccionario no solo como un recurso linguistico, sino como una herramienta critica para examinar la condicion humana, desafiando las convenciones y dejando al lector reflexionando eternamente acerca de la dualidad de las palabras y sus implicaciones. Ambrose Bierce, un periodista y escritor conocido por su tono irreverente y arcano, fue un hombre de su tiempo; su experiencia en el campo de batalla de la Guerra Civil Americana y su vida como reportero lo llevaron a desarrollar una vision aguda y cinica sobre la naturaleza humana y la sociedad. Su talento para la satira, evidentemente influenciado por sus experiencias personales y profesionales, se refleja en cada definicion, destacando su capacidad para encontrar el absurdo y el humor en la tragedia y la iniquidad de la vida cotidiana. Recomiendo encarecidamente el "Diccionario del Diablo" a aquellos que buscan una lectura que desafie sus percepciones. Este libro no solo es un ejercicio literario, sino una exploracion profunda de la ironia de la existencia humana, donde el humor negro y la critica social se entrelazan de manera magistral. Asi, el lector encontrara en sus paginas tanto entretenimiento como reflexion, haciendolo una obra imprescindible para cualquier amante de la literatura.

En El Diccionario del Diablo Ambrose Bierce afila las armas del ingenio para ofrecernos una burla total y despiadada del género humano, de sus honorables instituciones, de sus presupuestos lógicos -que conforman el tan peregrino "sentido comun"-, de sus ideas mas conspicuas, de sus nimias creencias. Bierce, maestro del humor negro, se convierte en diabolico lexicografo a fin de provocar una rebelion contra las ideas recibidas, contra las ideas reinantes, contra las ideas que se establecen impunemente...

The matter of which this volume is composed appeared originally in the columns of "FUN," when the wisdom of the Fables and the truth of the Tales tended to wholesomely diminish the levity of that jocund sheet. Their publication in a new form would seem to be a fitting occasion to say something as to their merit.Homers "Iliad," it will be remembered, was but imperfectly appreciated by Homers contemporaries. Miltons "Paradise Lost" was so lightly regarded when first written, that the author received but twenty-five pounds for it. Ben Jonson was for some time blind to the beauties of Shakespeare, and Shakespeare himself had but small esteem for his own work.Appearing each week in "FUN," these Fables and Tales very soon attracted the notice of the Editor, who was frank enough to say, afterward, that when he accepted the manuscript he did not quite perceive the quality of it. The printers, too, into whose hands it came, have since admitted that for some days they felt very little interest in it, and could not even make out what it was all about. When to these evidences I add the confession that at first I did not myself observe anything extraordinary in my work, I think I need say no more: the discerning public will note the parallel, and my modesty be spared the necessity of making an ass of itself.

The writer of these pages is not foolish enough to suppose that he can escape strong and bitter condemnation for his utterances. On this score he is not disposed to be greatly troubled; and for these reasons: Firstlyhe feels that he is performing a duty; secondlyhe is certain that his sentiments will be endorsed by hundreds upon whose opinion he sets great value; thirdlyhe relieves his mind of a burden that has oppressed it for many years; and fourthlyas is evident upon the face of these pageshe is no professed litterateur, who can be starved by adverse criticism. Nevertheless he would be apostate to his self-appointed mission if he invited censure by unseemly defiance of those who must read and pass judgment upon his work. While, therefore, he does not desire to invoke the leniency of the professional critic or the casual reader, he does desire to justify the position he has taken as far as may be consistent with good taste.It will doubtless be asserted by many: That the writer is a "bigoted parson," whose puritanical and illiberal ideas concerning matters of which he has no personal experience belong to an age that is happily passed. On the contrary, he is a man of the world, who has mixed much in society both in the old world and the new, and who knows whereof he affirms.That he is, for some reason, unable to partake of the amusement he condemns, and is therefore jealous of those more fortunate than himself. Wrong again. He has drunk deeply of the cup he warns others to avoid; and has better opportunities than the generality of men to continue the draught if he found it to his taste.That he publishes from motives of private malice. Private maliceno. Malice of a certain kind, yes. Malice against those who should know better than to abuse the rights of hospitality by making a bawdy-house of their hosts dwelling.But the principal objection will doubtless refer to the plain language used.

Tales of Soldiers and Civilians is a collection of short stories written by Ambrose Bierce. Published in 1891, the 26 stories detail the lives of soldiers and civilians during the American Civil War. His famous story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is included in this collection.

Ambrose Bierce, escritor y periodista norteamericano, apodado «bitter Bierce» debido a su humor negro y corrosivo, nació en Ohio en 1842 y participó en la Guerra de Secesión como voluntario de las tr