SKU: 10937330580

The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal Remains

Sale price$24.48 Regular price$27.20
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.80 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 18 - Jul 23

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal RemainsThe meaning of our concern for mortal remains from antiquity through the twentieth century The Greek philosopher Diogenes said that when he died his body should be tossed over the city walls for beasts to scavenge. Why should he or anyone else care what became of his corpse? In The Work of the Dead, acclaimed cultural historian Thomas Laqueur examines why humanity has universally rejected Diogenes's argument. No culture has been indifferent to mortal

The meaning of our concern for mortal remains--from antiquity through the twentieth century

The Greek philosopher Diogenes said that when he died his body should be tossed over the city walls for beasts to scavenge. Why should he or anyone else care what became of his corpse? In The Work of the Dead, acclaimed cultural historian Thomas Laqueur examines why humanity has universally rejected Diogenes's argument. No culture has been indifferent to mortal remains. Even in our supposedly disenchanted scientific age, the dead body still matters--for individuals, communities, and nations. A remarkably ambitious history, The Work of the Dead offers a compelling and richly detailed account of how and why the living have cared for the dead, from antiquity to the twentieth century.

The book draws on a vast range of sources--from mortuary archaeology, medical tracts, letters, songs, poems, and novels to painting and landscapes in order to recover the work that the dead do for the living: making human communities that connect the past and the future. Laqueur shows how the churchyard became the dominant resting place of the dead during the Middle Ages and why the cemetery largely supplanted it during the modern period. He traces how and why since the nineteenth century we have come to gather the names of the dead on great lists and memorials and why being buried without a name has become so disturbing. And finally, he tells how modern cremation, begun as a fantasy of stripping death of its history, ultimately failed--and how even the ashes of the victims of the Holocaust have been preserved in culture.

A fascinating chronicle of how we shape the dead and are in turn shaped by them, this is a landmark work of cultural history.-- "Library Journal"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 05/08/2018
ISBN: 9780691180939
Pages: 744
Weight: 2.00lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.10w x 2.20d
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 10937330580

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 5 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Amazon Customer
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Tesla Phone Mount (Model 3/Y/Juniper/Cybertruck)
This Tesla-specific phone mount is one of the cleanest and most functional accessories I’ve added to my vehicle. It installs neatly behind the touchscreen using the included positioning frame, so it doesn’t block any vents, airbags, or the driver’s view. Once mounted, it stays rock-solid and looks like it belongs there from the factory. The magnetic hold is impressively strong — 20 ultra-powerful magnets keep even a large phone locked in place through rough roads, sharp turns, and highway speeds with zero slipping. The 360° adjustable telescopic arm is smooth and stays exactly where you set it, whether in portrait for navigation or landscape for videos. When not in use, it folds away discreetly behind the screen. After two weeks of daily driving (including some bumpy back roads), the mount shows no signs of loosening, sagging, or vibration. The 3M adhesive has held perfectly through temperature swings, and the aluminum arm feels premium and sturdy. It works flawlessly with MagSafe phones and includes rings for non-MagSafe devices. Overall, this is a well-engineered solution that combines strong performance, clean aesthetics, and real usability. If you want a phone mount that feels integrated with your Tesla instead of an afterthought, this is an excellent choice. Very happy with the quality and design.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
J
JT C.
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 4
Looks good, moves smoothly.
This is a pretty good holder. The magnets were strong and I didn't notice my phone sliding around. It also includes additional adhesive if you want to move it later on. It rotates and folds so its out of sight if unused. I would have preferred some other form of installation, like suction, but understand that doesnt always work right. If you use your phone often in the Tesla, this is a good option. I just think there are better options out there, but thats my preference. The material is nice and sturdy, nice metallic look, and bends/rotates smoothly.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
S
Southern Bel
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Sleek and looks so good in the Tesla but doesn’t have a suction option
This is a nice phone mount for the Tesla with some pros and cons. Pros: It has a very strong magnetic connection so there’s no worry of your phone randomly hitting the floorboard. It’s sleek and minimalist looking and blends really nicely with the Tesla’s interior. Note that this is not a charger, just a mount. It seems to be well made of quality materials. This mount is also easily installed. Cons: the only way to mount this is with the included M3 adhesive, this is not a suction mount, so when you go to move it, you may have to deal with residue. This also limits you from being able to switch it from one side of the screen to the other (driver or passenger), if you so choose to do so. The other con is to move it from portrait mode to landscape mode you have to reach back behind the screen to loosen the mount, adjust it, then retighten. Personally it just feels like too many steps to change the viewing angle.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
P
Prof Reviewer
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Sturdy and well built
This Tesla phone mount has a sleek minimalist design that blends nicely with the interior of the Model 3 and Model Y. The foldable hidden style keeps the dashboard looking clean, and the strong magnetic hold keeps the phone secure even during turns or bumps. The 360-degree adjustment also makes it easy to position the phone exactly where you want it. The mount feels sturdy and well-built, and the MagSafe compatibility makes attaching and removing the phone very convenient. It works well for navigation, music control, or hands-free calls without blocking too much of the screen or airflow. The compact design also helps it look more like a factory accessory rather than an aftermarket add-on. Overall, this is a stylish and practical Tesla accessory that combines strong magnetic support with a clean modern appearance.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
N
nvdzk
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Minimalist Design with Premium Match for Tesla Interior
This MagSafe phone mount features a highly minimalist design, but the build quality is excellent and it performs perfectly. The installation process was incredibly straightforward and hassle-free. Key Highlights: Strong Magnetic Hold: The N52 magnets are exceptionally strong, keeping the phone securely in place without any slipping. Perfect Color Matching: I purchased the gray version, and the color matches the gray backing/trim of the Tesla central screen almost exactly. It blends in seamlessly as if it were an original factory accessory. Discreet and Functional: It does its job efficiently without adding unnecessary clutter to the dashboard. Overall, I am highly satisfied with this purchase. Pros: Seamless Integration: Gray finish pairs perfectly with the Tesla screen housing. Powerful N52 Magnets: Provides a stable hold even on rough roads. Clean Aesthetics: Minimalist, foldable design that can be hidden when not in use. Cons: None—excellent value and functionality.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026

recommand products