The Fiend's Delight

The Fiend's Delight, a compilation of Bierce's articles; essays, stories, poems and reflection, was published in London in 1873 by John Camden Hotten under the pseudonym «Dod Grile». This was Bierce's first book when he lived and wrote in England from 1872 to 1875, contributing to Fun magazine. Ambrose Bierce (born June 24, 1842; assumed to have died sometime after December 26, 1913) was an American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist, and satirist. He wrote the short story «An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge» and compiled a satirical lexicon The Devil's Dictionary. His vehemence as a critic, his motto «Nothing matters», and the sardonic view of human nature that informed his work, all earned him the nickname «Bitter Bierce». Despite his reputation as a searing critic, Bierce was known to encourage younger writers, including poet George Sterling and fiction writer W. C. Morrow. Bierce employed a distinctive style of writing, especially in his stories. His style often embraces an abrupt beginning, dark imagery, vague references to time, limited descriptions, impossible events and the theme of war.