Encyclopedia of Cremation / Edition 1

by Lewis H. Mates, Douglas J. Davies

Overview

The Encyclopedia of Cremation is the first major reference resource focused on cremation. Spanning many world cultures it documents regional histories, ideological movements and leading individuals that fostered cremation whilst also presenting cremation as a universal practice. Tracing ancient and classical cremation sites, historical and contemporary cremation processes and procedures of both scientific and legal kind, the encyclopedia also includes sections on specific cremation rituals, architecture, art and text. Features in the volume include: a general introduction and editorial introductions to sub-sections by Douglas Davies, an international specialist in death studies; appendices of world cremation statistics and a chronology of cremation; cross-referencing pathways through the entries via the index; individual entry bibliographies; and illustrations. This major international reference work is also an essential source book for students on the growing number of death-studies courses and wider studies in religion, anthropology or sociology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780754637738
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/28/2005
Pages:	516
Product dimensions:	6.75(w) x 9.62(h) x (d)

About the Author

Douglas J. Davies is Professor in the Study of Religion at Durham University, UK. Lewis Mates formerly Golders Green Research Assistant at Durham University, UK.

Table of Contents

Illustrations, Abbreviations, Acknowledgements, List of Contributors, Introduction, A–Z Entries, Cremation Statistics, Chronology of Cremation, Cremation Society Archive Sources, Select Bibliography, Index

Editorial Reviews

’...Treatment is admirably interdisciplinary, integrating sociological, psychological, historical, legal, theological, scientific, engineering, and artistic perspectives, along with political and economic dimensions of the practice...Recommended.’ Choice 'The book will be invaluable for those who are taking the increasingly popular Death Studies courses in Colleges and Universities. It is a useful reference book for those with responsibility for cremation, cemeteries and burial practice. It is likely to prove a fascinating read for most anyone who picks it up.' Liturgy Newsletter 'This is one of the most fascinating books I have been given to review... This book is a valuable compendium of information on cremation and crematoria, and it will be of interest to those involved with the study of, and provision of services for, the processes and activities that surround death. It will also be of interest to those concerned with the theology or anthropology of death... this is a very good book on an important subject.' Reference Reviews 'It is to the credit of the editors that they have brought together under a single title such a diverse collection of essays, explanations and obituaries. Many of these make for fascinating reading... It is impossible - at least for this reader - not to be educated in unexpected areas through browsing the 230-odd entries; the international coverage is impressive both in breadth and depth... The book represents a fine collection of writings from all around the world that will be of interest to anybody concerned with cremation.' Pharos International '... a well-conceived and well-produced volume that will be helpful in the contemporary debate regarding the morality of the practice of cremation. This topic is certainly an issue that thoughtful Christians ought to pursue, and this text will aid those who choose to do so.' Faith & Mission '... an interesting work... Often one aspect of the topic is looked at from different vie

From the Publisher