Discover the world’s most fascinating death and funeral traditions in this illustrated modern-day memento mori.Embark on a whirlwind tour of burial, preservation, and memorial practices and landmarks from across the globe and throughout history, ranging from the customs of our ancestors to contemporary practices. In these vibrantly illustrated pages, you can explore how humans from time immemorial have honored and remembered the dead, Mummification in ancient Egypt Post-mortem photography in Victorian England Open-pyre cremations in India Ghana’s fantasy coffins The Japanese ritual of kotsuage (“the gathering of the bones”) And much more Author-illustrator YY Liak tackles the thorny theme of death with a deep compassion for the universal experiences of loss and grief and an intrepid interest in the unique mortuary practices that have arisen across continents, cultures, and millennia. Her colorful, modern illustrations bring to life a whole spectrum of human beliefs about death and dying.EXISTENTIAL AND ENDLESSLY Whether you’re casually curious about what happens to our bodies after we die or intimately experienced with death and its attendant customs, appreciating the rituals of others can help you develop and deepen your own.MARVELOUSLY MACABRE, TREMENDOUSLY Dynamic, full-color artwork accompanies informative and intriguing text, rendering everything in energetic detail—from a step-by-step breakdown of the embalming process to detailed diagrams of ancestral altars around the world.A GIFT FOR CURIOUS This intriguing volume makes an excellent present for sociology lovers and morbidly curious readers. It’s a perfect fit for anyone who enjoys an accessible, illustrated take on history and anthropology and can also be shared with younger readers to kickstart important discussions about death and dying.Perfect Science buffs and history lovers Adults and teens interested in death and funeral traditions Anyone curious about different cultures' beliefs about death and mortality Readers seeking resources that demystify and destigmatize death and dying Fans of popular science and sociology authors like Caitlin Doughty, Mary Roach, and Sue Black

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.