SKU: 10937330580

The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal Remains

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The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal RemainsThe meaning of our concern for mortal remains from antiquity through the twentieth century The Greek philosopher Diogenes said that when he died his body should be tossed over the city walls for beasts to scavenge. Why should he or anyone else care what became of his corpse? In The Work of the Dead, acclaimed cultural historian Thomas Laqueur examines why humanity has universally rejected Diogenes's argument. No culture has been indifferent to mortal

The meaning of our concern for mortal remains--from antiquity through the twentieth century

The Greek philosopher Diogenes said that when he died his body should be tossed over the city walls for beasts to scavenge. Why should he or anyone else care what became of his corpse? In The Work of the Dead, acclaimed cultural historian Thomas Laqueur examines why humanity has universally rejected Diogenes's argument. No culture has been indifferent to mortal remains. Even in our supposedly disenchanted scientific age, the dead body still matters--for individuals, communities, and nations. A remarkably ambitious history, The Work of the Dead offers a compelling and richly detailed account of how and why the living have cared for the dead, from antiquity to the twentieth century.

The book draws on a vast range of sources--from mortuary archaeology, medical tracts, letters, songs, poems, and novels to painting and landscapes in order to recover the work that the dead do for the living: making human communities that connect the past and the future. Laqueur shows how the churchyard became the dominant resting place of the dead during the Middle Ages and why the cemetery largely supplanted it during the modern period. He traces how and why since the nineteenth century we have come to gather the names of the dead on great lists and memorials and why being buried without a name has become so disturbing. And finally, he tells how modern cremation, begun as a fantasy of stripping death of its history, ultimately failed--and how even the ashes of the victims of the Holocaust have been preserved in culture.

A fascinating chronicle of how we shape the dead and are in turn shaped by them, this is a landmark work of cultural history.-- "Library Journal"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 05/08/2018
ISBN: 9780691180939
Pages: 744
Weight: 2.00lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.10w x 2.20d
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SKU: 10937330580

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Jeanelle
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
The last forever!
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These are great and last forever. My little guys are super chewers and have had these for months. Great buy!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
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Kirstyn Wheeler
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute, Durable, and Keeps Them Busy for Hours
Color: 3 PCS, Color: 3 PCS
My girls are mild chewers, and these ocean-themed toys keep them entertained for hours. They absolutely love chewing on them, and the starfish, shell, and lobster designs are adorable while still being very functional. The fun shapes really hold their interest and help satisfy natural chewing instincts, which is great for keeping them busy without getting bored quickly. I’m also impressed with how well they’ve held up over time. Even with regular use, the material remains durable, easy to clean, and long-lasting. They’re made from food-grade nylon, feel safe, and encourage healthy chewing habits. Overall, these are a fantastic choice for mild to moderate chewers and a solid, long-lasting toy my girls truly love
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Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2025
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AE
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
Good Dog Toy
Color: 3 PCS
These have lasted my dogs way longer than I thought. My dogs chew on them probably a few times a week, they rotate which ones they use. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because they are small. I think Large Chew toy, I think a Large Chew Toy. These are better fitted for Medium to Small Sized Dogs.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2026
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Jeffrey Croney
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Great for my chewer
Color: MIX 3 PACK
Pretty good dog toys for my Stafford puppy.She chews on everything.These toys are made well,there keeping her busy for hours
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
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Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Durable for the aggressive chewer.
Color: 3 PCS
My dogs love this product. One of them is a really aggressive chewer. She will chew on this for over an hour at a time. They are very durable and I don't have to worry about them breaking off large chunks and swallowing them.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026

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