Examines the tools and techniques of coffin-making, and features illustrated, step-by-step instructions for constructing three pet and three human-sized coffins. Includes patterns.

In the tradition of Mary Roach’s bestselling Stiff and Jessica Mitford’s classic exposé The American Way of Death comes this meticulously researched, refreshingly irreverent, and lavishly illustrated look at death from acclaimed author Harold Schechter. With his trademark fearlessness and bracing sense of humor, Schechter digs deep into a wealth of sources to unearth a treasure trove of surprising facts, amusing anecdotes, practical information, and timeless wisdom about that undiscovered country to which we will all one day travel. Topics include • Death anxiety–is your fear of death normal or off the scale? • You can’t take it with you . . . or can you? Wacky wills and bizarre bequests • The hospice experience–going out in comfort and style • Deathbed and funeral etiquette–how to help the dying and mourn the dead with dignity • Death on demand–why the right-to-die movement may be the next big thing • “Good-bye everybody”–famous last words • The embalmer’s art–all dressed up and nowhere to go • Behind the scenes at your local funeral home • Alternative burial choices–from coral reefs to outer space From the cold, hard facts of death to lessons in the art of dying well, from what happens in the body’s last living moments to what transpires in the ground or in the furnace, from near-death experiences to speculation on the afterlife, The Whole Death Catalog leaves no gravestone unturned.

Techniques for coffin construction and decoration are discussed and illustrated in over 230 color photographs. The installation of working coffin hardware and the application of exterior finishes and interior linings are explained. Patterns for the coffin and two lid designs are provided.

Exploring the shaping of modern end-of-life experiences by medical, demographic, and cultural trends, James Green provides an important interpretation of the political nature of death and of the ways in which Americans react when death is at hand for themselves or for those they care about.

A casket is typically the single most expensive item in a traditional modern funeral, but they need not be. Do it Yourself Caskets and Coffins shows you how to create and personalize a variety of casket and coffin styles, including a modern traditional casket, as well as biodegradable 'green' coffins, Kosher Jewish coffins, and even simple classic (old west) coffins. With thirty years of product design and technical writing experience, author Steven J. Frey walks the reader through every step of construction, with easy to follow instructions and nearly 200 illustrations. The material is presented in such a way that makers of all skill levels can easily follow along. Complete tool and material lists with estimated costs are included along with information on where to purchase supplies and the all so important Federal law regarding the use of customer supplied caskets.

A Guidebook for the Modern Pagan Funeral Explore death and dying from the perspective of magical and Pagan communities. Filled with rituals, meditations, legal considerations, and practical advice, this book provides profound insights into death as a spiritual process. Within these pages, you will discover more than fifty rituals for funerals, memorials, and remembrances as well as meditations for mourning and letting go. Each chapter shares the beliefs and specific rituals of a distinct tradition, including British Traditional Wicca, Dis-cordianism, Eclectic Wicca, Heathenry, Hellenism, Druidry, Thelema, and more. You will also discover hands-on advice for creating shrouds, coffins, and death masks as well as tips for advanced planning, wills, and power of attorney. Whether you want to share this book with a non-Pagan funeral professional, learn what to expect at a Pagan funeral, or develop a ritual for a loved one's passing, the wealth of material within is designed to help readers experience final transitions in a spiritually meaningful way. With contributions from a variety of practitioners across many traditions, Do I Have to Wear Black? delivers a multitude of magical rites and detailed explanations in one thorough manual.