Work of the Dead

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The Greek philosopher Diogenes suggested that his body should be discarded for scavengers, questioning why anyone should care about their corpse. In contrast, acclaimed cultural historian Thomas Laqueur explores humanity's universal rejection of this notion in a comprehensive examination of how and why the living care for the dead. No culture has been indifferent to mortal remains, and even in our scientific age, the dead body holds significance for individuals, communities, and nations. Laqueur's ambitious history delves into a vast array of sources, including mortuary archaeology, medical texts, letters, songs, and art, to reveal the vital role the deceased play in connecting the past and future. He discusses the transition from churchyards as the primary resting place during the Middle Ages to the emergence of modern cemeteries. The book also highlights the 19th-century trend of memorializing the dead through lists and monuments, emphasizing the discomfort surrounding nameless burials. Additionally, Laqueur examines the evolution of cremation, which aimed to detach death from history but ultimately preserved cultural memories, including those of Holocaust victims. This work offers a profound exploration of how we interact with the dead and how they shape our lives.