A Brief History of Death offers a topical survey of views concerning death and its aftermath in the Western tradition, from prehistory to the present. It explores how humans understand and come to terms with the fact of mortality and looks at the physical and social aspects of death, how dying people are treated, how the dying conduct themselves in the knowledge of their approaching demise and how survivors choose to remember the dead. W. M. Spellman examines the work of archaeologists and palaeoanthropologists to give insight into prehistoric perspectives on death through the interpretation of physical remains. He spotlights the great philosophical and scientific traditions of the West, or what can be termed the rationalist approach to end-of-life issues. The book also examines the major religious traditions that emerged during the so-called 'Axial Age' of the ancient world, focusing particularly on the centuries-long evolution of the Western Christian tradition. Three approaches to the meaning of death - negation of life, continuity in another form and agnosticism - are examined in both religious and secular-scientific contexts. A Brief History of Death considers how we have died throughout history, both in the causes of death and in our varying attitudes to actions that lead to the deaths of fellow humans. The book provides a deeper context for contemporary debates over end-of-life issues, especially the emerging tension between longevity and quality of life.

About the Author
W. M. Spellman is Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and author of Uncertain Identity: International Migration since 1945 (Reaktion, 2008) and Monarchies, 1000-2000 (Reaktion, 2001).

Reviews
'A Brief History of Death has a great deal to offer: a historian-magpie's collection of hundreds of engaging topics that readers can dip into.' - The Guardian 'After the spate of near-death and out-of-the-body experience books comes this refreshing step back to examine the nature of the death experience culturally, historically, psychologically and personally ... Recommended reading as an antidote to modern life.' - Fortean Times



Book Information
ISBN 9781780235042
Author W. M. Spellman
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Reaktion Books
Publisher Reaktion Books