Cremation in America

By Fred Rosen

Book Overview

In this captivating review of the history, the practice, and the industry of cremation in America, award-winning former New York Times columnist Fred Rosen provides an authoritative source of information and many revealing facts about an increasingly common, yet still controversial, alternative to burial.Rosen gives an entertaining first person account of his inquiry into the practice of cremation and its roots. He describes the early ancient custom of cremation by funeral pyre and then explores why the rising Church banned the practice as a sacrilege. He then traces the underpinnings of the modern cremation movement in the late 19th century among a colorful group of intellectuals and physicians. This 19th century group endorsed this then illegal practice as a means to improve public health--as a way to prevent seepage of burial grounds from polluting ground water and spreading disease.Rosen goes on to examine, in today's world, people's feelings about death and religion as well as their sensitivities to cremation. Given certain abuses, he believes that this industry needs to be regulated. However, he finds much in favor of cremation when firsthand comparing its costs vs. the excesses and extravagances of the burial funeral industry.In an age when over 25 percent of the population is turning to cremation as a preferred funeral arrangement, this book offers much timely, useful, and engrossing information.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591021367
• ISBN13: 9781591021360
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 1.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Wonderfully thought provoking

With land for burial becoming scares in most cities and even some suburbs and with various environmental and health concerns this is an excellent book for those who want to learn about the history of cremation and why it has become the most popular form of 'burial' in Europe and Asia, and now even here in the states. Not at all a scary or macabre book but really thought provoking and informative.

I'M THE AUTHOR

Thank you Laurel for your wonderful review. I really appreciate your "getting it."

Fascinating history of an unusual subject

Let's face it, cremation (and death in general, I guess) is a pretty unusual topic. This book was recommended to me when we were looking into arrangements for a family member. I was a bit of a reluctant reader at first, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. According to the person who recommended it, there aren't any better books on the subject. (He works in the "business", if that's the right word.) Anyway, I would highly recommend this book for anyone thinking of using cremation as a burial option.

Funny, entertaining, and enlightening at the same time

I read this book out of personal interest. My fiance and I had discussed what to do when either of us dies. We both agreed on cremation, so I naturally wanted to learn more about it. I am glad I picked up this book. For a non-fiction book, it is very funny and entertaining. It provides a good history of cremation within Western Society. It also provides a lot of "case studies" that highlight the ups and downs of this progress. The chapters flow tightly from one to another; and the text is easy enough for both adults and teenagers. There are also several chapters that focus on recent events; such as the Ted Williams fiasco, the crematorium scandals in Georgia and California, and of course JFK Jr. I believe every person who intends to get cremated should read this book.