About This Book
From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death
ISBN: 9780393356281
About the Book
"From Here to Eternity" is an intriguing journey into the world of death and dying, as mortician Caitlin Doughty explores how different cultures confront mortality. This book is a fascinating tour through unique funeral customs and traditions from around the globe. Despite its morbid subject matter, Doughty approaches her work with a "death-positive" attitude, making the exploration both tender and technical.
Who Uses It?
Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in courses related to death studies, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding diverse funeral practices and the cultural significance of death rituals. Professionals in the funeral industry and those interested in end-of-life care may find this book particularly insightful.
History and Editions
The first edition of "From Here to Eternity" was published in 2018 by W.W. Norton & Company. The book has been well-received and has become a bestseller, with praise from notable authors like Jill Lepore. The author, Caitlin Doughty, is known for her engaging and unsentimental approach to death, which has resonated with readers worldwide.
Author and Other Works
Caitlin Doughty is a mortician and author known for her work in challenging conventional funeral practices. Her other notable books include "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory" and "Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions (and Even Bigger Answers) from a Mortician." Doughty's writing style is characterized by her curiosity and respect for the dead, making her a prominent voice in the field of death studies.
Key Features
- Cultural Exploration: The book delves into various funeral customs from around the world, including Zoroastrian sky burials and Bolivian skull rituals.
- Death-Positive Attitude: Doughty's approach to death is both respectful and optimistic, challenging Western funeral traditions.
- Exquisitely Illustrated: The book features illustrations by artist Landis Blair, adding a visual dimension to the cultural exploration.
- Critical of Western Practices: Doughty critiques the American funeral industry, particularly chemical embalming, and suggests more personal and meaningful ways to care for the dead.
Detailed Information
ISBNs and Formats
- Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780393356281
- eBook: ISBN-13: 9780393356298
- eBook: ISBN-13: 9780393356304
- Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780393356311
Publication Details
- Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company
- Publication Date: October 9, 2018
- Number of Pages: 272 pages
- Language: English
Other Editions and Formats
- Reprint Edition: Available through various retailers
- Related ISBNs:
- 9780393356298 (eBook)
- 9780393356304 (eBook)
- 9780393356311 (Paperback)
This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "From Here to Eternity," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.






