Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts: A History of Burial

Published in 1997, Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts: A History of Burial, written by Penny Colman, offers a conversational approach to a topic that is often difficult to talk about. Her purpose in this book is just that - to talk about death and how it is handled in a variety of settings, as well as to explore personal experiences with death, both hers and those of others. The writing is informal; academic language is not distinct in this book, and the text is accessible to a variety of readers. The book is organized in the following sections: defining death, understanding death, studying various ways of handling corpses and/or burying people, and making connections between death and art. Colman is brave in that she tackles a topic in which show more no one person could possible be an expert but with which everyone has experience. I see that as an advantage in her writing because this book could appeal to a wide range of audiences. I chose to read the book for two reasons: one, my grandfather was a mortician and funeral home director, and two, because I recently lost a close friend of mine, but there are hundreds of other reasons to pick up this text, none of which are exclusive.

The only major weakness I saw in this book is that the narrative lacked voice. The writing was nothing spectacular; it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t memorable. Colman communicated her ideas well but does not necessarily stand out as a writer. Overall, though, if one finds death interesting, one would find something about this book with which he or she can connect. show less

Colman's take on death is poignant and at moments almost clinical in its explanation of the various processes and practices that surround life's ultimate end. Anecdotes breathe life into what might otherwise be a dry subject, leading the reader towards personal reflection and connections with their own experiences. Colman tries to cover a wide variety of world cultures and customs related to death and burial, creating a perspective of death as human condition. I appreciated Colman's effort to be inclusive and comprehensive, but I thought there was a disappointing lack of references to New Orleans, especially as she addresses the logistics of different burial customs, the idea of cemeteries as social gathering places, and famous graves show more as tourist attractions. I immediately thought of cemetery tours, Marie Laveau, and New Orleans' wealth of cemetery history and scenic tombs, but Colman seems to only pick up on the idea of a second line, which she even fails to mention by name. On a positive note, the pictures are really cool, but obviously came from the author's personal collection rather than a professional photographer. Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts might have limited use in the classroom, but it would serve as a decent source to any student interested in researching death and burial practices, perhaps as part of a larger project or research paper. show less

Suitable for young adults & casual readers

In "Corpses, Coffins and Crypts: A History of Burial," author Penny Colman offers a brief overview of death, dying, and related customs and rituals throughout time and across cultures. Intended for a younger audience (grades 9 through 12), the book is a relatively superficial examination of an incredibly complex topic.

Although the book's title stresses burial customs, "Corpses, Coffins and Crypts" includes discussions of a number of disposal methods, such as burial (in cemeteries, tombs, catacombs, and mausoleums), cremation (with either burial or scattering), exposure, and cryopreservation. More morbid practices, like cannibalism, are largely omitted. The most emphasis is placed on burial in show more cemeteries, and Colman includes a number of black-and-white photos to supplement the text; most are of famous or historic cemeteries and graves.

Throughout the book, Colman maintains a lighthearted and humorous tone, perhaps to set apprehensive readers at ease with the taboo material. For instance, she incorporates a picture of Archie Arnold's grave into the book. Arnold, a prankster in life, arranged to have his tomb flanked on either side by antique parking meters, with their dials set to "expired." Colman also interweaves a number of personal anecdotes and narratives into the text, giving her discussion a conversational, friendly feel. While some readers might appreciate the tone, I found it a bit informal for my tastes.

"Corpses, Coffins and Crypts" is probably most suitable for teenagers, as well as adult audiences who want a brief, casual read on the subject. For those looking for a more scholarly and in-depth look at death and dying, I highly recommend Kenneth Iserson's encyclopedic Death to Dust: What Happens to Dead Bodies? (from which Colman quoted heavily). At over 800 pages, Iserson truly does cover all the bases!

http://www.easyvegan.info/2005/06/04/corpses-coffins-and-crypts-a-history-of-bur... show less

Well-researched, in-depth, and fascinating. This author takes on the challenges to shine light on the darkest of topics. The book is well organized and thoroughly researched. Includes an index, timeline, lists of interesting fact, glossary, and extensive bibliography at the end of the book. Excellent book for research projects or to be used as a teaching resource as it includes various religious and cultural traditions and rituals.

The writing was all over. After reading Mary Roach's absolutely fabulous "Stiff" this just wasn't worth my time.