The Shadow On The Dial, and Other Essays 1909

"The Shadow On The Dial, and Other Essays" by Ambrose Bierce is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The essays reflect Bierce's astute observations on social and political themes, exploring concepts such as government, authority, and the nature of civilization itself. Bierce's sharp wit and critical commentary engage with various ideologies, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in political philosophy and social critique. At the start of the collection, Bierce sets the stage for a deep examination of political thought, particularly the terms "Socialist," "Anarchist," and "Nihilist." He discusses the confusion surrounding these ideological labels and emphasizes the contentious relationship between authority and public dissent. The opening also highlights Bierce's stance on the necessity of laws and government to maintain social order, criticizing both the extremes of political philosophy as well as the practical failures of self-governance. His reflections reveal a disillusionment with the trajectory of civilization, suggesting that societal decay and moral contradictions persist despite the advancements of political systems. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce was an American short story writer, journalist, poet, and American Civil War veteran. His book The Devil's Dictionary was named one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature" by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. His story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" has been described as "one of the most famous and frequently anthologized stories in American literature", and his book Tales of Soldiers and Civilians was named by the Grolier Club one of the 100 most influential American books printed before 1900.