{"product_id":"last-rites-the-evolution-of-the-american-funeral-9781683648055","title":"Last Rites: The Evolution of the American Funeral","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Untold Story of American Funeral and Mourning Traditions\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhy do we embalm the deceased? Why are funerals so expensive? Is there a reason coffins are shaped the way they are? When--and why--did we start viewing the deceased? Ceremonies for honoring the departed are crucial parts of our lives, but few people know where our traditional practices come from--and what they reveal about our history, culture, and beliefs about death. In \u003ci\u003eLast Rites\u003c\/i\u003e, author Todd Harra takes you on a fascinating exploration of American funeral practices--examining where they came from, what they mean, and how they are still evolving. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eOur conventions around death, burial, and remembrance have undergone many great transitions--sometimes due to technology, respect for tradition, shifting sensibilities, or even to thwart grave robbers. Here you'll explore: \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e- Influences for American rituals--from medieval Europe, the Roman Empire, and even ancient Egypt\u003cbr\u003e- When mourning fell out of fashion--and how George Washington's passing brought it back\u003cbr\u003e- Abraham Lincoln's landmark funeral and its widespread impact\u003cbr\u003e- Flowers, liquor, mourning gifts, and caskets--the reasons behind our grieving customs\u003cbr\u003e- Unknown soldiers--how warfare influenced funeral and bereavement practices ... and vice versa \u003cbr\u003e- How growing populations, religion, inventions, and media have changed and continue to shape our traditions\u003cbr\u003e- The future of our death rites--mushroom suits, green burial, body donation, flameless cremation, home funerals, and more \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe rich story of the American funeral is one of constant evolution. Whether you're planning a funeral service or are simply intrigued by the meaning behind American burial practices, \u003ci\u003eLast Rites\u003c\/i\u003e is an informative and compelling exploration of the history--and future--of the ceremonies we use to say farewell to those who have departed this world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTodd Harra\u003c\/b\u003e has over a decade of experience as a licensed funeral director and embalmer and is a certified postmortem reconstructionist and cremationist. He has written two nonfiction books about the profession, \u003ci\u003eMortuary Confidential\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eOver Our Dead Bodies\u003c\/i\u003e, and is an associate editor for \u003ci\u003eSouthern Calls\u003c\/i\u003e, a renowned journal in the funeral profession. He is the president of the Delaware State Funeral Directors Association. For more, visit toddharra.com.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Sounds True","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670444413202,"sku":"9781683648055","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_8c51f42b-696e-4781-8021-5f8f7131b450.jpg?v=1733779034","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/last-rites-the-evolution-of-the-american-funeral-9781683648055","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}