Postmortem Collectibles

By C.L. Miller

Intended to be intriguing but not morbid, this book takes readers on an amazing journey through past, present, and evolving postmortem practices. The first of its kind, it deals with a topic that is rapidly becoming popular in the collectibles world. Tastefully and beautifully illustrated with many historical photographs and postcards, the book provides a pictorial review of the customs employed by mankind throughout the ages to deal with the final disposition of loved ones. Included in the remarkable array of collectible items are embalming products and instruments, photographs of funeral homes and funeral processions, promotional and advertising materials, and an outstanding collection of postmortem photographs taken in private homes and other locations. Cemetery monuments, sculptures, and mausoleums are shown, along with background material on caskets, floral arrangements, burial garments, mourning etiquette, and more. Values are included in the captions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764313304
• ISBN13: 9780764313301
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.9" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

PM Collector

Post mortem collectibles are't for everyone, but for those who have an interest in this type of collection, this book is one of the best!

Morbid But Curious!

Bought this for my father-in-law who's in the business. We loved the books, it was fasicnating. Many photos of photos, apparently there's a market for photos of funerals. I thought the book might have something on another collecting area, photos form the 19th century of deceased individuals propped up with relatives. This seemed to be popular at a time when many persons, especially children, died before ever having a photo of themselves taken, so families would prop them up as if they were alive. This gave the family a last memento. Anyhow, we enjoyed the book very much.

FASCINATING

This is the first comprehensive book on collecting funeral and death related items, and is not morbid at all. It covers most of the major types of collectible items and has beautiful post mortem portraits,which I collect and must admit are my favorite items in this book.The author has an extensive collection of these and I wish he would publish more of them. There is a growing interest in this aspect of collecting, touching on a hidden and forbidden part of history and culture, history of photography, the art of stone carving and preservation of cemeteries.The author presents all of this material respectfully and with a touching sentimentality. If you collect anything related to death, you need to have this book. It has many excellent and clear photos of the items described.