A Son of the Gods, and A Horseman in the Sky: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
A Son of the Gods, and A Horseman in the Sky: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

A Son of the Gods, and A Horseman in the Sky is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Bierce, Ambrose (1842–1913).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"A Son of the Gods, and A Horseman in the Sky" by Ambrose Bierce is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war, particularly as they pertain to the American Civil War. Through Bierce's poignant narratives, readers delve into the psychological impacts of battle, highlighting both the nobility and the tragic consequences of conflict. The first story, "A Son of the Gods," focuses on a young officer who bravely rides into enemy territory to gather intelligence, illustrating the complexities of valor and the cost of such courage. His actions are met with admiration from his comrades but end with tragic consequences that raise poignant questions about the nature of duty and sacrifice. In "A Horseman in the Sky," the narrative centers on Carter Druse, a Virginian soldier who faces an emotionally charged decision when he discovers that the enemy he must confront is his own father. This harrowing scenario encapsulates the deep personal dilemmas soldiers faced during the war, reflecting on themes of loyalty, love, and the weight of one’s choices in the tumult of battle. Through both stories, Bierce crafts a powerful commentary on the myriad emotional landscapes shaped by war.
Book and edition facts
- Title: A Son of the Gods, and A Horseman in the Sky
- Author credits: Bierce, Ambrose (1842–1913)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction
- War stories, American
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: History - American
- Category: History - Warfare
- Category: Short Stories
- US Civil War
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


