
"Reading for this anthology," writes D.J. Enright, "I was moved to the thought that on no theme have writers shown themselves more lively." A survivor of Belsen voiced the same sentiment when, reflecting on the concentration camps, he wrote, "When in death we are in the midst of life." By turns poignant, tragic, comic, and inspiring, this anthology of thoughts about death ranges from ancient times to the present day--including almost 900 selections by poets, novelists, philosophers, scientists, and common people. Arranged under headings such as "Love," "War," "Last Words," and "Children," these selections show the varied, sometimes surprising, reactions of the dying and the bereaved to the final human act.
This anthology investigates the multifaceted human response to mortality by curating a vast collection of literary and historical perspectives on the finality of life. D.J. Enright, a noted poet and critic, compiles nearly 900 selections to demonstrate that the subject of death has historically elicited some of the most vibrant and diverse writing across cultures and eras. The work argues that death is not merely a singular event but a complex experience that intersects with love, war, and the mundane realities of existence.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Critics and readers frequently identify this work as a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating reference for those interested in the cultural history of mortality. Experts highlight the editorial selection process as a balanced approach that successfully captures both the tragic and the comic dimensions of the human condition.
Page Count:
368
Publication Date:
1983-06-02
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192141295
ISBN-13:
9780192141293
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!