A darkly humorous guidebook to death and bizarre funeral practices from the Stone Age to the 21st century.

Full of anecdotes on the weirdest funerals and final resting places the world over, this guidebook is a tongue-in-cheek romp to an aspect of life that frightens most people. Discussing the burial practices of the past—from the embalming practices of ancient Egyptians to the funeral pyres used in India — while looking closely at how death and funeral services are practiced today, this humorously macabre guide answers questions such as What kind of party should be held at a funeral ceremony? Who should be invited to speak? Should flowers be sent? and What music should be played? A lively discussion on the history of being buried alive and 10 ideas on how to stop it from happening to you is also included.