Greg Melville Boeken

A lively exploration of US cemeteries, this narrative delves into how, where, and why we bury our dead. Greg Melville's fascination began during a summer job at his hometown cemetery, where he discovered the rich stories intertwined with local history. His work led to a lifelong curiosity about burial practices and memorialization. The book presents a broad history of cemeteries, highlighting their role in reflecting and shaping societal changes. These spaces have influenced landscape architecture, inspired renowned poets and authors like Emerson and Dickinson, and served as political tools to shift national discourse. However, the practices surrounding burial are evolving. With the environmental impact of embalming and traditional burials becoming increasingly evident, and cremation now surpassing burials in popularity, the narrative examines the sustainability of these practices. Additionally, the text visits various significant locales, including Shawsheen Cemetery in Massachusetts, the 1607 Burial Ground in Virginia, and Arlington National Cemetery, among others. Through this journey, the book invites readers to consider what it truly means to memorialize and the future of how we honor the deceased.

A lively tour through the history of US cemeteries that explores how, where, and why we bury our dead