The English way of death: The common funeral since 1450 - Hardcover

Julian Litten

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0709043503 ISBN 13: 9780709043508

Publisher: Robert Hale Ltd, 1991

Synopsis

The author takes the reader from the pomp of the post-medieval funeral to the anonymity of present day obsequies. The book examines the rise of undertaking as a trade and the changing etiquette which governed burial - lavish parades for the rich and interment in a woollen shroud for the poor.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Julian Litten was on the curatorial staff of the V&A Museum, London, between 1966 and 1999, and is now visiting lecturer in built-heritage conservation at Canterbury Christ Church University College, Kent. Dr Litten is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, a member of the Royal Archaeological Institute's Council, a commissioner of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England since 1985, president of the Church Monuments Society and a trustee of the Mausolea & Monuments Trust.

Review

'A revelatory history of the rituals and practices that were once a highly visible part of English life. Beautifully written.' Observer 'A social history of undertaking... Vigorous and highly informative.' Times Literary Supplement 'He loves the history of funerals for the same reason that he specializes in ecclesiastical architecture; he is fascinated by the point of contact between human life and eternity... in Mr Litten the subject has found a sober, amused, sympathetic interpreter.' Libby Purves, The Times 'This remarkable book is a mine of information on the funeral trade, on fashions in embalming and shrouds and coffins, and even the design of the burial vault: "the eternal bedchamber".' David Stancliffe, Church Times 'A carefully crafted and superbly illustrated essay on a subject of universal human concern.' British Archaeological News 'We are undoubtedly in the hands of an expert.' Brian Sewell, Evening Standard 'What better guide could one want to the delights of funerary archaeology than a man who has sniffed the air in a hundred burial vaults? Litten provides a compendious guide to the consumerism of death.' Patricia Morison, Financial Times

Edition details

• Publisher: Robert Hale Ltd
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0709043503
• ISBN 13: 9780709043508
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272