And in the End

From the Stone Age onwards, humans have added a personal touch to our endings with ceremonies, burials and services. And while some of these finishing touches are solemn, others can be downright bizarre - "e;Star Trek"e; creator Gene Roddenberry had his ashes blasted into space, and the Victorians were so afraid of being buried alive that they invented coffins with spring-loaded lids and escape hatches. Keith R. Lindsay compares funeral practices from around the world - from biodegradable coffins to cringeworthy funeral music - and gives witty and practical advice on choosing our own final exits. After all, surely it's better to be prepared than finding yourself commemorated by your ex giving your eulogy and your niece playing "e;Candle in the Wind"e; on her recorder? Full of side-splitting stories and unforgivable jokes, Keith R. Lindsay really does put the fun back into funerals.