Why read The Undertaker at Work?

Book cover of The Undertaker at Work

Book description

A comprehensive historical survey of the work of undertakers in the first half of the twentieth century, essential reading for anyone interested in understanding an often hidden but certainly most fascinating trade.

Reflecting the rapidly changing nature of the undertaker's work in pre, inter and post- war Britain, this book…

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European history

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Undertaker at Work as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Catharine Arnold

Author

If you’ve ever wondered what an undertaker really does, then Brian Parsons’ history of the trade is an intriguing guide. Reflecting the rapidly changing social times of pre-inter- and post-war Britain, this book details critical episodes in the history of the modern undertaking, including the introduction of embalming, how the enormous task of dealing with the dead from both World Wars was undertaken, coping with the tragedy that was the Spanish flu; and the rise of the Co-operative Funeral Service. Important burials include the burial of the Unknown Soldier, Lord Kitchener’s empty coffin, and the rise of the Cooperative funeral…

From Catharine's list on London and the dark side of British history.