Books matching: fascination with death
45 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
'The Victorian Book of the Dead' by Chris Woodyard and Jessica Wiesel is a fascinating dive into the Victorian era, exploring the customs and rituals surrounding death during that time. The book provides a detailed look at the heavily contrasted lives of the rich and poor in Victorian society, both of whom practiced a strict decorum in mourning, influenced by Queen Victoria herself. Through anecdotes, old print articles, and true stories, readers are transported back to a time where death was an integral part of life, showcasing bizarre superstitions, rituals, and grisly deaths that captivate and educate simultaneously.
The book is a treasure trove of information for history buffs, Victorian enthusiasts, and those with a curiosity for the macabre. With bite-sized stories and captivating details, 'The Victorian Book of the Dead' offers a cozy all-nighter read by the fireside, complete with fascinating insights into cemetery caretakers, funeral customs, and the evolution of mourning practices. The author's writing style is intimate, entertaining, and educational, making this book not just informative but also a page-turner that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
Goth is a collection of dark and twisted short horror stories that revolve around two high school students with a fascination for death and violent crime. The stories are interconnected, each revealing dark secrets about the main characters while exploring the actions of humans rather than supernatural elements. The main characters, reminiscent of teenaged sociopaths, investigate crimes out of sheer curiosity, delving into the minds of serial killers and exploring the darker side of humanity.
The book is told in a grim and disquieting manner, with a focus on psychological aspects and deviant behaviors. Each story is standalone but involves the main character narrator and his friend Morino, who attract serial killers due to their shared interests. The writing style is compelling, with first-person perspectives that change regularly, keeping the reader engaged and occasionally misled until the very end. Despite the disturbing content, the book is recommended for fans of horror, J-horror, and serial killer tales.
I had seen the name Kusuda Mitsue before … Three months before, a family had been hiking on T***** Mountain, a married couple and their son. The father had not had a day off in a long time, and he had...- #3
Save:"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty is a memoir about the author's experiences working in the funeral industry, specifically at a crematorium. Doughty delves into the cultural views and practices surrounding death, providing an eye-opening look into how different societies deal with mortality. Her writing style is described as humorous, enlightening, and thought-provoking, as she shares her journey of confronting fears and misconceptions about death.
Doughty's book offers a candid exploration of the funeral industry, demystifying the process of caring for the deceased and shedding light on the often taboo topic of death. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of mortality and embrace the inevitability of death as a natural part of life. The book combines informative insights with a touch of dark humor, making it an engaging and educational read for those curious about death practices and the human experience.
My second day at Westwind I met Padma. It wasn’t that Padma was gross. “Gross” is such a simple word, with simple connotations. Padma was more like a creature from a horror film, cast in the lead role... 'From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death' by Caitlin Doughty is a journey exploring death rituals and customs from various cultures around the world. The author takes the reader on a thought-provoking exploration of how different societies deal with death, shedding light on the funeral industry and the need for more respectful and personal approaches to the end of life. Doughty's writing style combines humor, compassion, and empathy, making the heavy topic of death more approachable and engaging for readers.
The book delves into the author's travels to countries like Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States, where she uncovers unique funeral practices and traditions. Through poignant stories and vivid descriptions, Doughty challenges the Western perspective on death, urging readers to consider alternative ways of honoring the deceased and coping with mortality. By blending personal anecdotes with cultural insights, the book invites readers to reflect on their own attitudes towards death and contemplate the significance of rituals in the face of loss.
- #5
Save:Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner by Judy Melinek and T. J. Mitchell is a memoir that delves into the early career of Dr. Melinek as a medical examiner in New York City. The book covers routine autopsies, interactions with the police and grieving families, and the intense experiences during the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack in 2001. Dr. Melinek writes with a keen eye for detail, providing an inside look into the world of forensic pathology without overwhelming the reader with medical jargon. The narrative is a balance of informative insights and personal anecdotes, offering a respectful yet informative perspective on the challenging and often gruesome aspects of the medical examiner profession.
So. This carpenter is sitting on a sidewalk in Midtown Manhattan with his buddies, half a dozen subcontractors in hard hats sipping their coffees before the morning shift gets started. The remains of ... - #6
Save:Sarah Vowell's 'Assassination Vacation' is a witty and irreverent exploration of the assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley. Through a mix of humor, historical anecdotes, and personal observations, Vowell takes readers on a journey to the sites associated with these tragic events. Her unique writing style blends detailed historical accounts with quirky commentary, making the morbid subject matter surprisingly entertaining and engaging. By infusing the narrative with her distinctive voice and sense of humor, Vowell brings to life the stories of these historical figures and the places tied to their untimely deaths.
Going to Ford’s Theatre to watch the play is like going to Hooters for the food. So I had intended to spend the first act of 1776, a musical about the Declaration of Independence, ignoring the stage a... - #7
Save:"The Denial of Death" by Ernest Becker delves into the concept that all human behavior is driven by the fear of death. Becker explores how individuals and societies construct elaborate mechanisms to shield themselves from the reality of mortality, leading to a range of psychological and existential tensions. Drawing from psychology, existentialism, and anthropology, Becker presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the human condition, emphasizing the eternal struggle between the animalistic nature of man and the quest for immortality through heroic actions. Despite the heavy psychological jargon and academic writing style, Becker's work challenges readers to confront their fear of death and the illusions they create to cope with this fundamental existential dilemma.
In times such as ours there is a great pressure to come up with concepts that help men understand their dilemma; there is an urge toward vital ideas, toward a simplification of needless intellectual c... 'Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Heads Found' by Frances Larson explores the fascination and cultural significance surrounding severed heads throughout history. The book delves into various aspects such as the anthropology of decapitation, the social history of severed heads, and the ethical implications of dissecting and experimenting on heads. Larson's writing style captivates readers with engaging stories, ranging from the collection of trophy skulls during World War II to the practice of freezing heads for potential resurrection in the future. Through a mix of historical accounts and contemporary perspectives, the book prompts readers to contemplate the boundaries of humanity and the complexities of our civilization's relationship with decapitation.
Josiah Wilkinson liked to take Oliver Cromwell’s head to breakfast parties. The broken metal spike which had been thrust through Cromwell’s skull at Tyburn, 160 years earlier, provided a convenient ha...- #9
Save:'The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime' by Judith Flanders is an exploration of murder in the 19th century, focusing on how the Victorian era shaped the fascination with murder and crime. Flanders delves into various murder cases that captivated the Victorians, leading to the birth of detective fiction and advancements in forensic science. covers a range of topics such as the portrayal of murders in popular media, the public's macabre interest in crime scenes and trials, and the development of scientific rigor in police work during that time period. Flanders' writing style mixes scholarly research with entertaining storytelling, providing detailed insights into the societal views on murder and the evolution of crime narratives.
‘Pleasant it is, no doubt, to drink tea with your sweetheart, but most disagreeable to find her bubbling in the tea-urn.’ So wrote Thomas de Quincey in 1826, and indeed, it is hard to argue with him. ... - #10
Save:'The Death Penalty: An American History' by Stuart Banner delves into the historical evolution of capital punishment in the United States. It covers a wide range of topics from the origins of the death penalty, including hangings and public executions, to the transition to more modern methods like the gas chamber, electric chair, and lethal injection. The writing style is described as heavily researched, providing detailed accounts of historical events and legal debates surrounding the death penalty. While some readers find the focus on historical facts engaging, others feel that the book lacks a more personal touch or in-depth analysis of specific cases.
