{"product_id":"last-rites","title":"Last Rites","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.","brand":"St. Martin's Essentials \/ Sounds True","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50020484481274,"sku":"9781683648055","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0840\/1253\/1962\/files\/imageloader_aa27a8bf-2d41-472a-bd5e-e4fae1a56f27.jpg?v=1786136868","url":"https:\/\/mindsourcebooks.com\/products\/last-rites","provider":"Mind Source Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}