Full Description
Death is universal. It will meet us all. But it's also a practical problem - what do we do with dead bodies? The Viestads live by a cemetery and are daily spectators of its routines, and their fascination with burials led them to dig deep to examine our relationship with the dead. Taking us on a journey through the world and the past, they explore how the deceased are honoured and cared for, cremated and buried. From archaeological sites in Spain, Israel and Russia to Ghana's fantasy coffins and environmentally friendly burials, and from cremations without fire to turning our dearly departed's ashes into diamonds, this empathetic and enthralling work is for anyone who knows their turn is coming, but who'd like a good book for the journey.
Contents
Introduction: Death Is for Everyone
Chapter 1: In the Beginning There Was the Funeral
Chapter 2: Death as a Practical Problem
Chapter 3: Packed in Plastic
Chapter 4: The Business of Death
Chapter 5: Choosing a Coffin
Chapter 6: Dust to Dust
Chapter 7: Up in Smoke
Chapter 8: Piecemeal and Divided
Chapter 9: A Monument to the Dead
Chapter 10: The Empty and Nameless Grave
Chapter 11: Death as Jewelry
Chapter 12: Living with the Dead
Sources
Acknowledgements
Index
