The Shadow On The Dial, and Other Essays by Ambrose Bierce

"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.)

Download for free

For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.

Other formats & older devices

About this eBook

Author Bierce, Ambrose, 1842-1914?
Editor Howes, S. O. (Silas Orrin), 1867-1918
Title The Shadow On The Dial, and Other Essays
1909
Credits Produced by David Widger
Reading Level Reading ease score: 54.0 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Essays
Category Text
eBook-No. 25304
Release Date
Last Update Jul 27, 2015
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 550 downloads in the last 30 days.

Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!