The Space of Death - A Study of Funerary Architecture, Decoration, and Urbanism, by Michel Ragon

The Space of Death - A Study of Funerary Architecture, Decoration, and Urbanism, by Michel Ragon. 1983 hardcover. 328 pages, very nice condition.

Originally published in 1981 as L'espace de la mort: Essai sur l'architecture, la décoration et l'urbanisme funéraires. A great book, delving into the history and function of cemeteries. French cemeteries and their places in French history predominate due to the country of origin. Which is fascinating, if you're curious about the Cemetery of the Holy Innocents or Pere Lachaise. It details funeral rites, different types of tombs and mausoleums, and also covers the French Revolution and the cycles of execution in detail. A great tome filled with obscure funerary facts… For instance, early Christians were buried nude inside their winding sheets. Churchmen were the first to be buried in their clothes "...no doubt believing it to be more decent." Translated from French by Alan Sheridan. Illustrated with black and white photographs.