Ambrose Bierce (June 24, 1842-1914?) was an American satirist, critic, poet, short story (horror) writer, editor, and journalist.
His clear style and lack of sentimentality have kept him popular when many of his contemporaries have become obscure. His dark, sardonic views and vehemence as a critic, earned him the nickname "Bitter Bierce". Such was Bierce's venerable reputation, that it was feared that his judgment on any contemporary fiction of the day could make or break a writer's career.
