The Evolution of Funeral Customs and Beliefs in America

Missing the Best Part of the Subject

It is fairly well written in the general sense, but it is really hurt by lack of graphics and photos. For example he makes mention of the landmark (for the funeral industry) Fisk mumiform metal casket, but that unique form of American modern industrial art really must be seen and compaired to the normal wooden caskets of that time to appreciate how revolutionary it was. Also, funeral motor equipment has changed as much as automotive technology has, but without photos, it is impossible to grasp this special and distinctly American mobile art form. It may surprise the reader of this review but there is tens of thousands of Americans that are funeral motor vehicle collectors, that gather across the country to cruise around and show off their lovingly restored automotive art. Only photos can do this special and distinctly American cultural love at the intersection of art design, craftsmanship, and technology justice. Strangely, for a history book of American funeral customs, it is not even mentioned. The American funeral experience is first and foremost a visual one, and without graphics, this book really misses the mark. I strongly recommend the author do a version 2.0 of the book with this in mind. As the book is now, I do not recommend it.