In this captivating review of the history, the practice, and the industry of cremation in America, award-winning former New York Times columnist Fred Rosen provides an authoritative source of information and many revealing facts about an increasingly common, yet still controversial, alternative to burial.Rosen gives an entertaining first person account of his inquiry into the practice of cremation and its roots. He describes the early ancient custom of cremation by funeral pyre and then explores why the rising Church banned the practice as a sacrilege. He then traces the underpinnings of the modern cremation movement in the late 19th century among a colorful group of intellectuals and physicians. This 19th century group endorsed this then illegal practice as a means to improve public health—as a way to prevent seepage of burial grounds from polluting ground water and spreading disease.Rosen goes on to examine, in today's world, people's feelings about death and religion as well as their sensitivities to cremation. Given certain abuses, he believes that this industry needs to be regulated. However, he finds much in favor of cremation when firsthand comparing its costs vs. the excesses and extravagances of the burial funeral industry.In an age when over 25 percent of the population is turning to cremation as a preferred funeral arrangement, this book offers much timely, useful, and engrossing information.

About the Author

Fred Rosen (Woodstock, NY) is an award-winning former columnist for the New York Times and the author of thirteen books including Lobster Boy. He currently is an adjunct associate professor of communications at the New York Institute of Technology.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

General book stock in most every field. Store NOT open to the public. Approx. 5000 titles, mostly hardcover.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Enterprise Books
IL, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Terms of sale: payment by check or Money Order. PayPal accepted.If you say "the
check is in the mail" I will go ahead and ship your book, so there is no undue
wasted time. Postage,$6.00 Priority Mail with USPS Delivery Confirmation,any
additional books add $1 each. Media Rate Delivery available for $3.50.
Large"coffee table" books extra. Canada and over seas are by quote. No dealer
discounts. All books returnable within reason and we assume cost of return.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 7.50	US$ 18.50

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.