Hi pornies, how have you felt these days?
I recently came across a book that you will find worth the reading if you’re as interested in necromancy and ancestral veneration as I am: Traditions of Death and Burial, by Helen Frisby. Not sure why? Short answer: It is a book that gives you a whole insight in how funerary customs change over time, although focused on England. You discover English people have seen and treated their death for centuries, which, for me, has given me several ideas on what is correct and not when it comes to the deceased.
- Paperback: 96 pages
- Publisher: Shire Publications (November 26, 2019)
- Publishing Date: November 26, 2019
- ISBN-10: 1784423777
- ISBN-13: 978-1784423773
Now, I want to make clear that this is an academic book, a reading some of you may not feel too comfortable with, but the tone is simple enough to keep you interested. We all are so used to our own rites that it is hard to image a different way of doing things now and then, but Traditions of Death and Burial changes that, offering a new perspective in the matter.
Helen Frisby did an immense research but presented it in a simple, friendly tone that makes it easy to follow the narrative, maybe a bit too serious at times, but she still speaks about traditions we may not be aware of, such as who is allowed to be present at the funeral, how were allowed to carry the coffin of the deceased, why Victorians covered mirrors when someone died, among other matters.
You may want to take it easy with this book, however, since it is very short, even more if we consider the images included. A little caution if you are a sensible one, though, for there are “disturbing” images not apt for the faint of heart. Guessed I had to mention that one.Traditions of Death and Burial, by Helen Frisby, offers a tour in the sands of time of English cemeteries, but also is a tool for the necromancer in training of what to consider when dealing with the death. It is easy, simple, filled with interesting facts and a style that you will like. A great choice for those morbid readers and witches alike. Thanks to the publisher for the copy!
About Helen Frisby:
Helen Frisby is an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Bristol, and also works at UWE, Bristol. Her PhD was on Victorian funerals, and she continues to research, write and speak on the history of death, dying and bereavement. She's also currently researching the occupational lore of gravediggers. Helen is a Council member of the Folklore Society, and Secretary of the Association for the Study of Death & Society. She lives in Bristol, UK.
Have you read this book? Would you recommend it or not? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!
No comments:
Post a Comment