02481cam a22003253u 4500 38588 UtSlPG 20260610133859.0 m cr n 260607r2012||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 GT Sargent, Lucius M. (Lucius Manlius), 1786-1867 Dealings with the Dead, Volume 1 (of 2) Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2012 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2012-01-16 Produced by Delphine Lettau, Meredith Bach and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive.) "Dealings with the Dead, Volume 1 (of 2)" by Lucius M. Sargent is a satirical work that combines elements of humor and social commentary, likely written in the mid-19th century. Through the lens of a sexton of the old school, the book explores the various practices and customs associated with death and burial. The opening chapters present a reflection on how societal attitudes toward funerals and the deceased have evolved over time, often highlighting the absurdities and contradictions within these customs. At the start of the narrative, the sexton reminisces about his formative years and the solemn nature of burial services in contrast to modern practices, which he believes have become somewhat trivialized. He reflects on his admiration for the former sexton, Grossman, and recalls the impressive but daunting rituals of the past. Interspersed with anecdotes and humorous observations, the sexton discusses the significance of maintaining dignity in burial rituals and critiques contemporary methods of dealing with the dead, hinting at a broader message about the respect owed to those who have passed away. The opening sets a tone that balances morbid fascination with playful absurdity, inviting readers to consider the cultural complexities surrounding death. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Death Funeral rites and ceremonies Funeral rites and ceremonies -- United States https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/38588 79427 79427