The Corpse - by Christine Quigley (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Throughout the centuries, different cultures have established a variety of procedures for handling and disposing of corpses. Often the methods are directly associated with the deceased's position in life, such as a pharaoh's mummification in Egypt or the cremation of a Buddhist.

Treatment by the living of the dead over time and across cultures is the focus of this study. Burial arrangements and preparations are detailed, including embalming, the funeral service, storage and transport of the body, and forms of burial. Autopsies and the investigative process of causes of deliberate death are fully covered. Preservation techniques such as cryonic suspension and mummification are discussed, as well as a look at the "recycling" of the corpse through organ donation, donation to medicine, animal scavengers, cannibalism, and, of course, natural decay and decomposition. Mistreatments of a corpse are also covered.

Review Quotes

"fascinating and well-researched...a compelling topic"-Library Journal; "very well researched...engaging...fascinating"-Morbid Curiosity; "well referenced...comprehensive"-Science and Justice; "everything and anything you wanted (or didn't want) to know about the corpse. A detailed and scholarly dissertation on the A to Z of the dead body...replete with detailed reference sources, bibliography and index and a must for the serious necromantic. Highly recommended for its concise and detailed format"-Westgatenecromantic.com.

About the Author

The late Christine Quigley authored books and articles, wrote an eclectic blog called Quigley's Cabinet and reviewed books for Fortean Times.