The Oxford Book of Death

by D.J. Enright (Editor)

"Reading for this anthology," writes D.J. Enright, "I was moved to the thought that on no theme have writers shown themselves more lively." A survivor of Belsen voiced the same sentiment when, reflecting on the concentration camps, he wrote, "When in death we are in the midst of life." By
turns poignant, tragic, comic, and inspiriting, this anthology of thoughts about death ranges from ancient times to the present day and includes quotes from philosophers, scientists, literary figures, and common men. Arranged under headings such as "Love," "War," "Last Words," and "Children," these
selections show the varied, sometimes surprising, reactions of the dying and the bereaved to the final human act.

Genres: Death, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Poetry, History, Anthologies, Essays

368 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 1983

Reviews

[Pirullinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this book the first time, my English wasn't good enough, so I didn't really understand anything, and I struggled through it.

I recently re-read this book and found it very interesting. I am myself absolutely terrified of dying, and in a sense this book comforted me. It is filled with quotes about death as it occurs in different stages in life. There is a chapter on children and animals as well.

The book mainly consists of quotes and there is little text in between the quotes in some parts of the book, but the quotes are very well selected and help emphasize the points of the author.

[Joshua Spotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Oxford Book of Death is the greatest title I have ever read. The book is pretty good too.

Scholarly author of The Oxford Book of the Supernatural and The Oxford Book of Friendship, D.J. Enright compiles both prominent and discreet excerpts of literature and human observance into one book concerning death.

It is rather hard to explain why, but the book is not depressing, as one might assume from some a title. In truth, it was heartening, encouraging, and, morbid as it may seem, has assisted me in understanding death via the concepts of thousands of mankind from all over the world that have pondered death before me.

While I enjoyed the book and indeed read ever piece compiled in it, it may be wiser for the common reader to simply skim through it as it does get rather thick in parts. It would also be a good reference book, as Oxford Books are often designed to be; yet for some reason I read it for pleasure.

Even if you don’t read it, though I would recommend you do, you could get one for your bookshelf and simply enjoy its awesome presence.

[Rachel Earling-Hopson (Misse Mouse) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. The quotes and essays on the one thing we can not escape. Death. But we can deal with it with dignity and respect. If you have not read it. Keep a marker, it will be useful for all the great stuff included in this book.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

holy shit this book

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Musings or quotations from texts divided into topics on death such as: the hour of death, mourning, hereafters etc.

I was hoping for more "last words" which is only two pages. I was also disappointed that most of the samples came from old examples (ancient greece, 1800's) I feel more current examples could have been found.

[The Literary Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

By turns macabre, powerful, visual, thought provoking, and yes, hilarious, this compilation scans the ages for poetry, literature, sayings, and opinions on the eternal question of death.

[Chrissann Nickel · Rating 3 out of 5]

After this book had been referenced a few times in my sphere (most notably in Sigrid Nunez’s “The Friend”), I decided to grab a copy for myself.

It’s essentially a compilation of short excerpts/writings about the various angles of death, separated into sections (I liked the epitaphs/last words section best). There is no narrative, so you essentially read it in little snippets rather than all at once.

There is a LOT of poetry in here. I’m not really a poetry kind of gal, so this was more than I bargained for. There is also far too much related to religion for my taste, though I suppose this is to be expected from a book on this subject.

This was published in 1983 and included primarily historical texts, many from a 100+ years ago. I, personally, would enjoy an updated version of this book to include more writings from modern day thinkers and even pop culture (music! comedy!) on the subject of death. Now that would be really interesting.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An mildly interesting collection of esoterica, probably best used for reference rather than read cover-to-cover.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm a joy to be around. (actually mostly british ancient quotes that were not super helpful)

[Richard Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvellous, marvellous. Give it to friends.

My blog;

https://richardswsmith.wordpress.com/...

[Marjolein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointing as the selection criteria used by the author are not always clear. Also it might have been better if the quotes had been placed in order of the date of publication or when it was written, as this might have provided an overview of the changing believes and views that people held towards death over the ages. It also might have benefited from a footnote or two, as it now strikes one rather as a random collection of quotes rather than an anthology on death.

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthology of thoughts on and about.