Dazed & Confused: Interview with Paul Koudounaris about his book "Empire of Death"
It took me long enough, but I finally ordered a copy of this book this morning. If you need me in the next 5 to 7 days business days, I’ll be near the mailbox.
From the interview:
There is something hypocritical about modern mortuary practices. We don’t want the dead around at all any more, so we ask the deceased to play out one last scene as a living person, dressed and made up as if they are still alive—whereas the natural state of a corpse is putrefaction. It strikes me as escapist and fictive.
Read the whole thing. Even better: Buy the book!
Photograph by Paul Koudounaris, from his book The Empire of Death: A Cultural History of Ossuaries and Charnel Houses.
- February 12 2012 | 11 Notes - Read More →
