In the book "The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce, Volume 02 In the very middle of life: Tales of soldiers and civilians", readers will be able to enter the world of unpredictable events, which is described by the author himself through the prism of war and peace, soldiers and their compatriots. Ambrose Bierce, using his characteristic sharp language and irony, reveals important issues of combat operations and people's lives during military conflicts. His stories provoke the reader to think deeply about the nature of war, heroism, sacrifice and grief. This collection has found its own niche in literature, striking with its originality and frank approach to the topic of war.