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.

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.