SKU: 10937330580

The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal Remains

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The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal RemainsThe meaning of our concern for mortal remains from antiquity through the twentieth century The Greek philosopher Diogenes said that when he died his body should be tossed over the city walls for beasts to scavenge. Why should he or anyone else care what became of his corpse? In The Work of the Dead, acclaimed cultural historian Thomas Laqueur examines why humanity has universally rejected Diogenes's argument. No culture has been indifferent to mortal

The meaning of our concern for mortal remains--from antiquity through the twentieth century

The Greek philosopher Diogenes said that when he died his body should be tossed over the city walls for beasts to scavenge. Why should he or anyone else care what became of his corpse? In The Work of the Dead, acclaimed cultural historian Thomas Laqueur examines why humanity has universally rejected Diogenes's argument. No culture has been indifferent to mortal remains. Even in our supposedly disenchanted scientific age, the dead body still matters--for individuals, communities, and nations. A remarkably ambitious history, The Work of the Dead offers a compelling and richly detailed account of how and why the living have cared for the dead, from antiquity to the twentieth century.

The book draws on a vast range of sources--from mortuary archaeology, medical tracts, letters, songs, poems, and novels to painting and landscapes in order to recover the work that the dead do for the living: making human communities that connect the past and the future. Laqueur shows how the churchyard became the dominant resting place of the dead during the Middle Ages and why the cemetery largely supplanted it during the modern period. He traces how and why since the nineteenth century we have come to gather the names of the dead on great lists and memorials and why being buried without a name has become so disturbing. And finally, he tells how modern cremation, begun as a fantasy of stripping death of its history, ultimately failed--and how even the ashes of the victims of the Holocaust have been preserved in culture.

A fascinating chronicle of how we shape the dead and are in turn shaped by them, this is a landmark work of cultural history.-- "Library Journal"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 05/08/2018
ISBN: 9780691180939
Pages: 744
Weight: 2.00lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.10w x 2.20d
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SKU: 10937330580

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Color: Yellow
My dog destroyed this ball within 10-15 minutes of use. He is a 65 lb German Shepherd. I do not recommend these balls for aggressive chewers.
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Omaha, US
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Style: 34 Ounces, Size: 34 Count
We try to keep these in the house. They are REALLY nicely sized and work great for soups. They are AWESOME for soups and the only disposable plates I feel comfy using for large stews and such. Makes cleaning easy because I don't HAVE TO CLEAN! They are a bit more expensive than otherd disposable plates, but they are worth it. Pretty heavy duty plates that are thick and great for heavier foods. <3
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Kris
Lake Worth, US
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Favorite compostable plates ever!
Style: 34 Ounces, Size: 34 Count, Style: 34 Ounces, Size: 34 Count
I’ve been using the Dixie Ultra Extra Large Compostable Paper Bowls, and I can honestly say I absolutely love them! They’re sturdy, deep, and hold generous portions, perfect for everything from hearty soups and pasta to big salads or even snacks for movie night. Unlike other paper bowls, they don’t get soggy or collapse, even with hot or liquid-heavy foods. Another huge plus for me is that they’re compostable, so I can enjoy the convenience of disposables without the guilt. They’re strong, reliable, and environmentally friendly, which is a rare combo! If you’re looking for durable, eco-conscious paper bowls that can handle anything you throw in them, these are a must-have. Highly recommend!
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No more washing pozole/menudo bowls for me
Style: 34 Ounces, Size: 34 Count
Very sturdy for a paper plate. Used these for pozole at a party and saved me the hassle of washing plates. Good size, bigger than you think. When serving it does get hot so use something underneath so you don’t get burned.
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