Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914) was a short story writer and journalist whose work spanned multiple genres including satire, fantasy, horror and science fiction. Born into a large but poor family, Bierce left home to work at a newspaper before enlisting in the military. He served in the Union Army, engaging in many battles that would inspire his future works. Once discharged, Bierce began a literary career writing and editing various magazines. He went on to publish multiple books including a collection of poems and the immensely popular Tales of Soldiers and Civilians.