A Brief History of Death

Douglas Davies

• 11 november 2004
• 9781405101837

Samenvatting:

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.

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.

• 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.