The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce, Volume 09

A mischievous, slightly macabre essay opens this volume, turning the humble sense of smell into a lens for examining modern life. The author playfully suggests that civilization’s endless factories, sewers and glue works have dulled our noses, leaving us oblivious to the “assassinating odors” that once kept humanity alert. Through witty speculation, the piece links this sensory decline to broader cultural shifts, hinting that the loss of scent may even dull the sharp edge of satire itself.

The essay then wanders through history, cataloguing famous noses—from the flamboyant snout of Cyrano de Bergerac to the delicate profiles of philosophers and artists—showing how a single facial feature can shape reputation and imagination. With a dry, sardonic voice, it blends scholarly footnotes with absurdist humor, inviting listeners to reconsider the everyday and the extraordinary alike. The result is an entertaining, thought‑provoking meditation that balances literary erudition with a grin‑inducing critique of modernity.