Cobwebs from an Empty Skull

"Cobwebs from an Empty Skull" by Ambrose Bierce is a collection of satirical fables and tales written during the late 19th century. The book encapsulates Bierce's sardonic wit, presenting a series of humorous, often darkly ironic narratives and morals that explore human nature, folly, and vice. At the start of the collection, the reader is welcomed by a preface that reflects Bierce's modest acknowledgment of the work's origins, hinting at its initial reception in the humor publication "FUN." Each ensuing fable features anthropomorphized animals that deliver sharp observations about human behavior, folly, and morality, often taking unexpected twists. Characters like a Persian nobleman with a philosophical oyster or a self-deprecating rat highlight the absurdities of life. The opening portion showcases a whimsical blend of humor and irony that sets the tone for a deeper critique of societal norms and human vices through the lens of fables. (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.