There are stories that take your breath away, "A Horseman in the Sky" by Ambrose Bierce is just such a story. It opens with a soldier asleep at his post and you just keep reading because the words and language are so beautiful only to have the ending suck the air out of your lungs. And you'll remember and think of this story and the ways of war for hours after.
Just an added note. I found this story at a site called American Literature where you'll find thousand of other stories by American authors of the past.
5 comments:
Sandra, thanks for sharing. Beautiful words sewn together in a smooth, seamless way. I have always admired the sheer art and mastery that the writers of the past had with the written word. There is a wonderful style and a certain glorious feel to the way they wrote. A style that we just don't, and almost can't have, in the times we live in today. And that, that is a shame.
By the way, what an interesting fellow Bierce was. His life, his writings and definitions, his adventuresome spirit and then finally his disappearance. Thanks again. - Jim
I was thinking as I read the story that it probably wouldn't find a home in today's market, Jim. The story defies all of today's rules of jumping in with the action, and yet, you continue to read because the author captures your imagination in other ways.
Thanks for the story to bookmark. I have read this but don't have a copy
It was my first time reading it, Charles. I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with Bierce's work but I'm working on it :)
There's nobody like Bierce. If you want to write short stories, you need to read Bierce and Saki.
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