Epitaph Culture in the West Variations on a Theme in Cultural History

This book examines a number of facets of Western epitaph culture since antiquity, with particular emphasis on post-medieval developments in the major European countries as well as in North America. Various epitaphic "sub-cultures" are analyzed, among them the time-honored custom of composing one's own tomb inscription as well as the ancient and modern convention of honoring animals with epitaphs. It also examines epitaph-collecting, epitaph "lies," humorous epitaphs, and the change in social and religious attitudes toward suicides. The book concludes with a cultural and intellectual history of epitaphs. An epilogue addresses the question of the supposed disappearance of epitaph culture at the present time.

Product details

• Authors: Karl S. Guthke
• Publisher: Em Text
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2003
• EAN: 9780773408470
• ISBN: 978-0-7734-0847-0
• No. of pages: 430
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 25 mm
• Weight: 694 g
• Subject: Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories