Ambrose Bierce was an American writer and journalist, known for his satirical wit and sharp-tongued writing. He was born in 1842 in Ohio, and he served as a Union soldier during the Civil War. Bierce's works often reflected his cynicism towards human nature and society, with a dark and sardonic humor prevalent in his writing. He is best remembered for his short stories such as 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' and 'The Devil's Dictionary'. Bierce disappeared in the early 20th century under mysterious circumstances, and his ultimate fate remains unknown.