Last Words: A Dictionary of Deathbed Quotations

by Bernard Ruffin, C. Bernard Ruffin

The last words of the dying often provide insight into their feelings about life. Some are peaceful ("It is very beautiful over there"--Thomas Alva Edison); many are spiritual ("Don't ask the Lord to keep me here. Ask him to have mercy"--Walker Percy); others are angry ("God-damn the whole frigging world and everybody in it--except you Carlotta"--W.C. Fields); still others reflect the weary fight against death ("I'm bored of it all"--Sir Winston Churchill). Nearly 2,000 deathbed quotations from saints, popes, statesmen, scientists, soldiers, musicians, athletes, artists, entertainers, writers, criminals and others are included in this reference work. Each entry includes a brief biographical sketch of the person and sets the quotation in context. The sources for the quotes include biographies, newspaper and magazine accounts, and, in a few instances, firsthand accounts.

269 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

About the author

also known as C. Bernard Ruffin

Reviews

[William Brahms · Rating 1 out of 5]

A significant number of entries and a commendable effort. But lacks sources on many. And some are (admitably by the author) constructed or reconstructed -- in other words not the actual words -- a quote made up by the author based the circumstances and info about the death. This can lead to wrongly attributted quotes, etc. This was a huge drawback for me for a non-fiction book that is set up like a reference book.

[William Brahms · Rating 1 out of 5]

A significant number of entries and a commendable effort. But lacks sources on many. And some are (admitably by the author) constructed or reconstructed -- in other words not the actual words -- a quote made up by the author based the circumstances and info about the death. This can lead to wrongly attributted quotes, etc. This was a huge drawback for me for a non-fiction book that is set up like a reference book.