What a Way to Go: Fabulous Funerals of the Famous and Infamous

by Adele Brown

A&E Biography meets Tales from the Crypt in this fun but respectful survey of the amazing lives and astonishing funerals of two dozen twentieth-century icons from politics, art, and pop culture. In more than 50 rare photographs and thoroughly researched profiles, What a Way to Go showcases all the colorful details of each subject's death, funeral service, and burial. From Muppet creator Jim Henson's upbeat service, attended by Big Bird, to Babe Ruth lying in state at Yankee Stadium as vendors sold hot dogs to waiting mourners--it's all here, the moving and the macabre. JFK, Notorious B.I.G., Elvis Presley, Chairman Mao, Eva Peron, the Ayatollah Khomeini, and many more find fitting tribute in this compulsively readable, visually lavish, richly entertaining celebration of our enduring fascination with the famous and the strange pageantry of their demise.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Beth Voecks]

I don't care if it sounds morbid but I wanted more photos.

[Katy Lovejoy]

not as dark as I thought it was going to be. it was actually kind of interesting

[Violet Etoile]

This book gives a nice overview of several very famous funerals, from Josephine Baker and Sarah Bernhardt to Edith Piaf, Jim Henson, and the Notorious B.I.G. While the information is basic, there are some interesting tidbits to be found as well as some unique photographs. Overall, this is a nice coffee table book (for those of the morbid persuasion) and a well-presented primer for those interested in funerals.

[Mandy Huot]

This book was purely a random find at the library, and I thought it was quite interesting. Some of the people I knew, and others I didn't. I even learned a few things about ones I did know. I hope that there are more books like this out there, it's a very interesting subject.

[Jennifer]

Because I'm strangely morbid that way.

[Jessi]

Fabulousity in life and death...

[Chronically Book Shark]

Fascinating book including not only heroes but villains as well. Little facts tie up the book and make it even more enjoyable

[Rhianon O'Halloran]

Really excellent book!