The Oxford Book of Death

by D. J. Enright

Paperback, 1987

Status

Available

Call number

082

Collection

Your library

Publication

Oxford University Press, USA (1987), Paperback, 363 pages

Description

"Reading for this anthology," writes D.J. Enright, "I was moved to the thought that on no theme have writers shown themselves more lively." A survivor of Belsen voiced the same sentiment when, reflecting on the concentration camps, he wrote, "When in death we are in the midst of life." By turns poignant, tragic, comic, and inspiriting, this anthology of thoughts about death ranges from ancient times to the present day and includes quotes from philosophers, scientists, literary figures, and common men. Arranged under headings such as "Love," "War," "Last Words," and "Children," these selections show the varied, sometimes surprising, reactions of the dying and the bereaved to the final human act.

User reviews

LibraryThing member jwhenderson

This is a comprehensive anthology of writers views of death. Organized by topic covering the multitude aspects of death from definitions to epitaphs, requiems and last words the book provides a coverage of thinking about death that is at once breathtaking and inspirational. The editor, D. J.

Enright , provides useful introductions to the sections as a guide for the reader. I have found this volume to be a useful reference and fascinating source for thinking about the myriad aspects of death.

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LibraryThing member DrJane

I'm not sure why someone took the trouble to write this book, nor indeed why Oxford published it!

LibraryThing member plenilune

I have the old hard-bound version, given to my mother after my father died, with passages she underlined and my little sister's crayon scribbles. Growing up, I assumed it must be like The Egyptian Book of the Dead or the Guide for the Recently Deceased in Beetlejuice, so while curious, I viewed it

with trepidation and kept my distance. Its contents were a mystery to me until my mom gave this to me as a resource for my poetry, which often explores death. In just the few months I've had it, it's been a fantastic resource for further reading as well as a source of solace in a time of grief. Some quotes are heartbreaking, some are heartwarming, and most provide interesting food for thought. It's well-organized and indexed, something often lacking in these sorts of compilations. My only complaint , which I suppose is a matter of personal taste, is that some of the quotes are too long, indeed they are full passages of text that can go on for a page or longer, and I prefer things more concise.

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