End of the Road: A Journey Around Britain in Search of the Dead

Jack Cooke, author of The Treeclimbers Guide, drives around the British Isles in a clapped-out forty-year-old hearse in search of famous tombs, graves, and burial sites. He launches a daring trespass into Highgate Cemetery at night, discovers the remains of the Welsh Druid who popularized cremation, and ponders the imponderables at the graveside of the Lady of Hoy, an 18th-century suicide victim.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A captivating and uplifting travelogue, "The Graveyard Explorer" follows Jack Cooke, the author of the beloved "The Treeclimbers Guide," as he embarks on a daring journey across the British Isles in a forty-year-old hearse. In his quest to uncover famous and lesser-known tombs, graves, and burial sites, Cooke ventures into the depths of Highgate Cemetery in the dead of night, uncovers the fascinating story of the Welsh Druid who pioneered cremation, and reflects upon the mysteries of the Lady of Hoy, an 18th-century suicide victim whose preserved body was entombed in a bog. This extraordinary book is a testament to Cooke's exceptional writing, offering a truly unique, beautifully crafted, and vividly imagined exploration of the world of graveyards.

Introduction:
"The Graveyard Explorer" by Jack Cooke is a captivating and uplifting travelogue that takes readers on a journey across the British Isles in a forty-year-old hearse. The author, known for his previous book "The Treeclimbers Guide," sets out on a mission to uncover famous and lesser-known tombs, graves, and burial sites. Along the way, he embarks on daring adventures, including a nighttime trespass into Highgate Cemetery and a visit to the graveside of the Lady of Hoy, an 18th-century suicide victim whose body was preserved by the bog in which she was buried.
The Quest:
Cooke's journey begins in London, where he sets out in his trusty hearse, accompanied by his trusty dog, Bob. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscapes and towns he passes through, as well as the historical and cultural significance of the places he visits. Cooke's passion for graveyards is evident in his writing, and he offers readers a glimpse into the lives and deaths of the people buried in these sacred spaces.
Highgate Cemetery:
One of the highlights of the book is Cooke's daring trespass into Highgate Cemetery at night. Armed with a flashlight and a sense of adventure, he explores the cemetery's winding paths and hidden corners, uncovering the secrets and stories of the people buried there. He encounters a variety of characters, from the eccentric to the macabre, and shares their tales with the reader.
The Welsh Druid:
During his journey, Cooke stumbles upon the remains of the Welsh Druid who popularised cremation. The Druid's story is fascinating, and Cooke delves into the historical and cultural significance of cremation in different cultures. He also shares his own personal experiences with cremation, which he finds to be a peaceful and meaningful way to honor the deceased.
The Lady of Hoy:
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is Cooke's visit to the graveside of the Lady of Hoy, an 18th-century suicide victim whose body was kept in near-perfect condition by the bog in which she was buried. The story of the Lady of Hoy is fascinating, and Cooke offers readers a glimpse into the life and death of this remarkable woman.
Conclusion:
"The Graveyard Explorer" is a truly unique and beautifully written book that offers readers a glimpse into the world of graveyards. Cooke's passion for these sacred spaces is evident in his writing, and he offers readers a thought-provoking and uplifting journey that will leave them with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and mystery of these final resting places.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 163 x 228 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008294700