Welcome to the darker yet undeniably intriguing side of literature: death, corpses, and crimes involving the dead – bizarre, humorous, and educational tales you’d hardly believe if they weren’t penned down. These 5 books about death show the unexpected roles of corpses in science, history, and beyond. Find some of the most intriguing posthumous stories, from body snatching to scientific discoveries.
#1 Books about Death
Rest in Pieces – The Curious Fates of Famous Corpses
If you have a creepy side & are interested in death, corpses & celebs, this is one of the books about death you should definitely read. Bess Lovejoy explores in a funny & captivating way the bizarre journeys of history’s icons as their remains are stolen, burned, sold, or even pickled. From Lincoln’s almost-stolen corpse to Einstein’s brain on a road trip. Embark on a hilarious and horrifying journey through the afterlife. While the author discusses a case, she adds entertaining anecdotes about the famous corpse!
#2 Books about Death
Will my Cat Eat my Eyeballs? – Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death
There are probably questions about death, dying, and what would or will happen to the body after our demise that we kind of want answered. Funeral director Caitlin Doughty is on a fascinating journey through the curious world of death! In her New York Times Bestseller, she tackles 35 intriguing questions from curious kids with wit and wisdom. Discover the truth behind corpse myths and unearth fascinating facts about decomposition, mummification, and more!
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#3 Books about Death
From Here to Eternity – Traveling the World to Find the Good Death
If Caitlin Doughty got you hooked on Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs, you definitely need to read From Here to Eternity. In this one, the funeral director takes us on a global exploration of death rituals! From Zoroastrian sky burials to Bolivian skull ceremonies, she uncovers diverse customs that challenge our views on honoring the deceased. Explore the morbid unknown and discover how cultures worldwide confront mortality in unique and meaningful ways.
#4 Books about Death
Past Mortems – Life and Death Behind Mortuary Doors
Carla Valentine is a curator, pathology technician, and ‘death professional’ and has written several books about death. In Past Mortems, she shares tales from her decade-long journey working with the deceased, challenging our perceptions of death and its impact on the living. With compelling insights, she explores the lessons the living can learn from the dead and the emotional toll of working in the industry. Discover the reality behind closed mortuary doors and coffin lids in this captivating, enlightening read.
#5 Books about Death
Stiff – The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Stiff looks into what happens to our bodies after we die and tries to answer the question: What should happen to us after we pass away? This book by bestselling author Mary Roach takes us on a funny but educational journey on how cadavers have been used over the past 2000 years. The dead have helped science, medicine, the military, and other areas of life.
Find your copy of one of the bestselling books about death here!
In those books about death, the authors give us an interesting look at a usually unpleasant subject.