Mystery: The Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce

Published 2024-05-15
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Ambrose Bierce was an influential journalist, satirist, writer of poetry and horror whose works were said to have inspired authors as diverse as H.P Lovecraft and Earnest Hemmingway. And his fame makes it all the more mysterious that, in 1913, he disappeared without a trace.

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This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

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All Comments (21)
  • @joshpulliam
    Thank you for bringing Ambrose Bierce’s story to life. When I was a Civil War reenactor I had the privilege to be an extra in the movie “Ambrose Bierce, Civil War Stories”. This movie portrays three of his Civil War short stories including An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and One Kind of Officer.
  • @SpaceLordof75
    Bierce’s The Devil’s Dictionary is a masterpiece of satire.
  • @boogerie
    "About six years before the disappearance of Ambrose Small, Ambrose Bierce had disappeared. Newspapers all over the world had made much of the mystery of Ambrose Bierce. But what could the disappearance of one Ambrose, in Texas, have to do with the disappearance of another Ambrose, in Canada? Was somebody collecting Ambroses?" WILD TALENTS Charles Fort
  • @bwilliams463
    I have loved Bierce since I first came across my Granddad's copy of 'The Devil's Dictionary' when I was about 13. I have sought and read his works in the 36 years since then. His writings have allowed me to expand my vocabulary with his glorious style - which made his insults all the more epic. 'The Devil's Dictionary' (technically 'The Enlarged Devil's Dictionary') remains my favorite of his works, and I keep many of his definitions handy: 'POSITIVE (adj): Mistaken at the top of one's voice.'
  • @NoahSpurrier
    A Twilight Zone episode, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”, was made from this story he wrote.
  • @ScoutSniper3124
    I can't imagine writing a letter in Chihuahua... It's hard enough just to do it in Golden Retriever.
  • @marshawoods4983
    I’ve been listening to you for years. I’ve listen to others, but I think you are the best.❤
  • @ronaldguild3627
    I started watching this reluctantly, and I enjoyed every minute.
  • @Dfturcott
    I remember 20 some years ago in an american high school history class, our teacher dropped the line that Ambrose said “war is gods way of teaching Americans geography”, it’s odd when you hear something and know in real time how you will never forget it.
  • One of Gregory Peck's last films is "Old Gringo" in which he plays a Bierce to befriends and falls out with a Pancho Villa-like personality (Jimmy Smits).
  • Most researchers believe he was killed in or around Poncho Villa's army. IDK. One thing i do know...he wasn't sucked into an interdimensional portal along with Michell-Hedges in Casas Blancas in Chihuahua Mexico ala the lies of Ancient Aliens. Thanks for a well balanced report with actual bio of the gentleman in question. Good job 👍
  • @jamesrosa38
    A last item of interest: I believe Gregory Peck starred in the movie, Old Gringo, a movie that supposes a possible end of the life of Ambrose Bierce.
  • @user-oh2hs6jh5x
    Well, we made it to the middle of the week. Take a break from work and settle back for an episode of forgotten history.
  • @PelenTan
    I can't believe you didn't include the most likely reason for his disappearance. That being kidnapped by pirates. Because, after all, don't all good stories...?
  • @joanhoffman3702
    One of the best American short story writers, and someone I highly recommend. I have read many of his stories throughout the years, and it seems there are some I’ve missed. “Oil of Dog”? Time to start the hunt!
  • @OceanSwimmer
    Another historical masterpiece! Ambrose Beirce has been a favorite author of mine since childhood. Thank you for bringing him to the attention of a modern audience. His works deserve to be rediscovered and read. 🌷📖🌷