The Dark Arts: An Introduction -- A Seismic Shift: Lincoln and the New Sanitary Science -- The Book of the Dead -- Lethal Combat and Other Roman Obsequies -- The Bloody Barber-Surgeons: Embalming Emerges from the Dark Ages -- Mourning Gloves and Liquor: Early American Burial Practices -- Embalming Surgeons -- Gone to Their Sleep: Victorian Sensibilities -- Resurrectionists: Advent of the Burial Vault -- Vessels of the Dead: Coffins, Caskets, and the Hysteria Surrounding Grave Alarms -- The Temple of Honor: Vehicles of the Dead -- Mourning the Great War -- Flame Burial -- Mushroom Suits and the Future [of Funeral Service]
Summary:
"A fascinating and oft-surprising exploration of the history and meaning of funeral rituals"-- Provided by publisher. "Ceremonies for honoring the departed are crucial parts of our lives, but few people know where our traditional practices come from -- and what they reveal about our history, culture, and beliefs about death. In Last Rites, author Todd Harra takes you on a fascinating exploration of American customs around death, burial, and remembrance" -- From book jacket.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.