Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The American Way of Death Revisited

The American Way of Death Revisited
The American Way of Death Revisited
Author: Jessica Mitford
ISBN-13: 9780679771869
ISBN-10: 0679771867
Publication Date: 1/4/2000
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
 14

3.2 stars, based on 14 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The American Way of Death Revisited on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book was very informative and at times humorous, though I have to admit it wasn't as good as I was expecting based on other reviews. It was good enough that it made me never want to have a funeral, though! Mitford presents an indepth look at the funeral industry, discussing funeral homes, the casket business, cemeteries, and other related topics.
reviewed The American Way of Death Revisited on
Helpful Score: 2
Fascinating, well-written history of American funeral customs and the funeral industry. Certain chapters are not for the squeamish, but it's not overly morbid adn you can skip the graphic details. Mitford basically argues that the modern American funeral and all its trappings are a relatively recent development largely brought about by the funeral industry itself. Makes a nice companion (albeit from a different perspective) to the show Six Feet Under. Or, if you liked Evelyn Waugh's The Loved One, you might enjoy this as a non-fiction alternative. Hard to read if you've recently lost a loved one though.