Bierce - Fantastic Fables

Two Dogs who had been fighting for a bone without advantage to either referred their dispute to a Sheep. The Sheep patiently heard their statements then flung the bone into a pond. Why did you do that? said the Dogs. Because replied the Sheep I am a vegetarian. This and 244 other fantastic fables from the bitter pen of Ambrose Bierce fill this little volume to overflowing with a rich feast of Bierce's misanthropy. Bierce didn't miss a thing—greedy politicians thieving doctors not so pious holy men aldermen poets naturalists poodles lions kangaroos judges diplomats legislators — all fall under close scrutiny in a delicious blend of sarcasm and satire that leaves no institution or pomposity of modern life unscathed. Called the American Swift Bierce is one of the rare masters of the fable: like Aesop and La Fontaine often personifying objects animals and even abstract concepts to reinforce his satire. This is an unabridged reprint of the original edition — all 245 fables. Do not confuse it with the abridged editions.