THE AMERICAN FUNERAL : A Study in Guilt, Extravagance and Sublimity

Text/BRAND NEW & Bright. First Edition, First Thus. Gilt embossed boards/NF. DJ/None. Light brown spotting (acidic paper reaction) to text blocks & endpapers. Socio-economic examination, based on extensive field work, of patterns of conspicuous consumption in funerary practices in America. 181 pgs, 11 chapters in 4 parts: Part I: Stage Setting & Performance:, Chapt 1, A Wilderness of Attitudes; 2, Death Strikes the Family; 3, Group Behavior at Funeral Gatherings. Part II, The Funeral Business: 4, "Behind the Scenes"; 5, The Bargaining Situation: Family & Undertaker; 6, Instituional Relationships; 7, The Undertaker's Role in the Community; 8, Dominance of Commercial Factors. Part III, Changes in Forms & Functions: 9, Approach to Cultural Change; 10, Effects of City Civilization; 11, Trends & Experiments. And, Part IV, Overview, followed by Appendices.