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The American Way of Death Revisited
The American Way of Death Revisited
Author: Jessica Mitford
Here is the classic anatomy of America's funeral practices, revised, expanded, and brought up-to-date for a new generation. — Thirty-five years ago, Jessica Mitford's savage and hilarious The American Way of Death was a number one best-seller and occasioned new legislation intended to reform the funeral industry. By the time of her death i...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781860497629
ISBN-10: 1860497624
Publication Date: 11/2/2000
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1

4.5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Virago Press Ltd
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 7
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The American Way of Death Revisited on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book was very informative and at times humorous, though I have to admit it wasn't as good as I was expecting based on other reviews. It was good enough that it made me never want to have a funeral, though! Mitford presents an indepth look at the funeral industry, discussing funeral homes, the casket business, cemeteries, and other related topics.
reviewed The American Way of Death Revisited on
Helpful Score: 2
Fascinating, well-written history of American funeral customs and the funeral industry. Certain chapters are not for the squeamish, but it's not overly morbid adn you can skip the graphic details. Mitford basically argues that the modern American funeral and all its trappings are a relatively recent development largely brought about by the funeral industry itself. Makes a nice companion (albeit from a different perspective) to the show Six Feet Under. Or, if you liked Evelyn Waugh's The Loved One, you might enjoy this as a non-fiction alternative. Hard to read if you've recently lost a loved one though.
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