The Letters of Ambrose Bierce, With a Memoir by George Sterling

"The Letters of Ambrose Bierce, With a Memoir by George Sterling" by Ambrose Bierce is a compilation that provides insight into the mind of a celebrated writer through his personal letters and a biographical introduction. The compiled work, crafted in the early 1900s, presents Bierce's opinions on literature, his life, and cultural issues, demonstrating his position as a literary figure grappling with his own renown. We begin with a profile of Bierce by George Sterling, illustrating Bierce's relative anonymity despite his talent and commentary. The texts that follow showcase Bierce's philosophies on writing and existence, where he shows a dislike for literature that prioritizes social change above art. He advises his peers to value artistic creation over social justice motives. Through these letters, one can observe Bierce's blunt reactions to society, as seen through the eyes of a journalist and author from the late 1800s.