Funeral Services

Evaluates existing practices of death, dying and bereavement from different societies around the world.

Based on nearly three decades of research and teaching on funeral rites, this volume promises to fill an important gap in the cross-cultural literature on bereavement, while answering an important question for our generation: Do funerals matter?

There is no other book on the subject that is as complete and up to date in its coverage of the art and science of embalming, restorative arts, and mortuary cosmetology for students and practitioners.

The first major reference resource focused on cremation, discussing world cultures, ideological movements and leading individuals.

Reviews important grief theories, and discusses current topics in grief.

Takes stock of the vast literature in the field of thanatology and discusses death-related behavior in present day culture.