Title
The Hour Of Our Death: The Classic History Of Western Attitudes Toward Death Over The Last One Thousand Years
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An Absolutely Magnificent Book (The New Republic)The Fruit Of Almost Two Decades Of Studythat Traces The Changes In Western Attitudes Toward Death And Dying From The Earliest Christian Times To The Present Day.A Truly Landmark Study, The Hour Of Our Death Reveals A Pattern Of Gradually Developing Evolutionary Stages In Our Perceptions Of Life In Relation To Death, Each Stage Representing A Virtual Redefinition Of Human Nature.Starting At The Very Foundations Of Western Culture, The Eminent Historian Phillipe Aris Shows How, From Graecoroman Times Through The First Ten Centuries Of The Common Era, Death Was Too Common To Be Frightening; Each Life Was Quietly Subordinated To The Community, Which Paid Its Respects And Then Moved On. Aris Identifies The First Major Shift In Attitude With The Turn Of The Eleventh Century When A Sense Of Individuality Began To Rise And With It, Profound Consequences: Death No Longer Meant Merely The Weakening Of Community, But Rather The Destruction Of Self. Hence The Growing Fear Of The Afterlife, New Conceptions Of The Last Judgment, And The First Attempts (By Masses And Other Rituals) To Guarantee A Better Life In The Next World. In The 1500S Attention Shifted From The Demise Of The Self To That Of The Loved One (As Family Supplants Community), And By The Nineteenth Century Death Comes To Be Viewed As Simply A Staging Post Toward Reunion In The Hereafter. Finally, Aris Shows Why Death Has Become Such An Unendurable Truth In Our Own Centuryhow It Has Been Nearly Banished From Our Daily Livesand Points Out What May Be Done To Retame This Secret Terror.The Richness Of Aris'S Source Material And Investigative Work Is Breathtaking. While Exploring Everything From Churches, Religious Rituals, And Graveyards (With Their Often Macabre Headstones And Monuments), To Wills And Testaments, Love Letters, Literature, Paintings, Diaries, Town Plans, Crime And Sanitation Reports, And Grave Robbing Complaints, Aries Ranges Across Europe To Russia On The One Hand And To England And America On The Other. As He Sorts Out The Tangled Mysteries Of Our Accumulated Terrors And Beliefs, We Come To Understand The Historyindeed The Pathologyof Our Intellectual And Psychological Tensions In The Face Of Death.
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- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has six hundred ninety-six pages. It provides an in-depth historical analysis of Western attitudes toward death.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions are six point fourteen inches by one point fifty-seven inches by nine point twenty-five inches. This size is convenient for both reading and storage.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Philippe Ariès. He is a renowned historian known for his extensive research on death and dying.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The genre is historical non-fiction. It explores the evolution of societal views on death over a millennium.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic use? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic use. It is well-researched and provides valuable insights into cultural history.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place, upright or flat. Avoid direct sunlight to preserve its condition.
- Q: Can I read this book if I'm new to the subject? A: Yes, newcomers can read this book. It presents complex ideas in an accessible manner, making it suitable for various readers.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for children? A: No, this book is not appropriate for children. Its themes and discussions about death may be too complex and sensitive.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you can initiate a return. Check the return policy for specific instructions on how to proceed.
- Q: How can I contact support for issues with the book? A: To contact support, refer to the customer service information provided at the point of purchase. They can assist with any issues.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations? A: Yes, this book includes illustrations. They complement the text and enhance the understanding of historical contexts.
- Q: What is the publisher of this book? A: The publisher is Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. They are known for publishing a range of significant literary works.
- Q: How long did the author research for this book? A: The author researched for almost two decades. This extensive research adds depth and credibility to the book.
- Q: Is there a specific target audience for this book? A: The target audience includes scholars, students, and anyone interested in history and cultural studies. Its insights appeal to a broad range of readers.