Reviewed summary
The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal Remains
Ever notice how we treat dead bodies like they’re some kind of social currency? From fancy tombstones to cremation urns, the way we handle death says way more about the living than the dead. Thomas Laqueur’s “The Work of the Dead” digs into this messy, fascinating obsession humanity has with its mortal remains—spoiler: it’s not just about respect or fear, it’s about who we are and who we want to be.
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