Death, Burial and the Individual in Early Modern England

Death, Burial, and the Individual in Early Modern England explores how attitudes to death have changed since the Middle Ages, focusing on how modern concern with the individual has alienated death from society. It provides a sensitive insight into the feelings of people in early modern England and an explanation of the modern anxiety about death.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1984, "Death, Burial, and the Individual in Early Modern England" delves into the historical evolution of modern attitudes towards death by exploring the shifting perspectives in English society since the Middle Ages. In earlier centuries, death held a more central place in daily life, as it was not primarily linked to old age. Rather, it was intricately intertwined with war, plague, and infant mortality, giving it a distinct and multifaceted character. The author intricately illustrates how the modern emphasis on individual uniqueness has gradually distanced death from our collective consciousness. The greater the emphasis on personal distinctiveness, the deeper the pain experienced when an individual passes away. This captivating book traces the shifts in attitudes towards death through alterations in funeral rituals, encompassing all segments of society, from the impoverished to the aristocratic. Written with elegance and scholarly rigor, it offers a unique, insightful, and comprehensive exploration of the subject, providing both a tender understanding of the emotions of people in early modern England and an explanation for the contemporary apprehension surrounding death. The broad scope and unwavering assurance of this book make it appealing to historians and readers with a general interest in the subject alike.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032604916