Epitaphs: A Dictionary of Grave Epigrams and Memorial Eloquence - Softcover

Rees (Cassel Dictionary of Word & Phrase Origins, Cassel, 1993) has compiled a collection of epitaphs from gravestones and words that could be interpreted as epitaphs taken from statues. He states that he chose "epitaphs which are interesting or curious in themselves." He rejected the "tendency to include epitaphs solely because they are of famous people," so both famous and unknown people are included. The book is arranged alphabetically by the last name of the deceased, with a section for anonymous epitaphs. An index provides access by names, themes, and locations. Each entry includes the epitaph and a few sentences about it or the deceased person, if known. Several epitaph collections exist, but they usually center on a cemetery, region, or humorous innuendo. While Rees has assembled an interesting and often amusing collection, it is not as wide-ranging as its title implies. Most of the epitaphs are for English-speaking people, with the British especially well represented; there are also a few epitaphs for animals. If epitaphs of famous people are needed, this is not an extensive compilation. Recommended for larger collections only.
Mary Salony, West Virginia Northern Community Coll. Lib., Wheeling
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.