Douglas Davies - A Brief History of Death [2005][A]

The act of death itself and the rituals surrounding it vary enormously and shed a fascinating light on the cultures of which they are a part. In this brief and lively history, Douglas Davies – internationally acknowledged as one of the leading experts in this field – tackles some of the most significant aspects of death and weaves them into a compelling story about our changing attitudes to dying.
* Offers a fascinating examination of this subject which is of enduring interest in every culture in the world
* Considers the profound influence death has had on subjects ranging from philosophy to anthropology, through to art, literature, and music - inspiring some of our most enduring artistic highpoints
* Broaches some of the most significant aspects of death, such as the act of dying, grieving, burial, artistic interpretations of death, places of memory, the fear of death, and disasters/tragedies
* Weaves these numerous approaches to death into a compelling story about our changing attitudes to dying
* Contains several illustrations, and is written in an accessible and lively style.

Review
"The author reveals himself to be a sensitive and humane guide, in a book that ought to fascinate anyone interested in the existential conundrum of human morality." Times Higher Education Supplement

Book Description
Death is a subject of enduring interest in every culture in the world. The act of death itself and the rituals surrounding it vary enormously and shed a fascinating light on the cultures of which they are a part. Douglas J. Davies, internationally acknowledged as one of the leading experts in this field, tackles some of the most significant aspects of death - the act of dying, grieving, burial, artistic interpretations of death, places of memory, the fear of death, and disasters/tragedies - and weaves them into a compelling story about our changing attitudes to dying.