RUTH MCMANUS is Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. She teaches on the sociology of death, dying and bereavement and is widely published in the field.

'This book sets a new benchmark bringing to center stage a global perspective on death and dying. It reminds us that while mortality is universal there are major cultural, economic and social differences in how people live and die across the world. Accessible in its clarity, ease of voice and logical structure, this book is an essential teaching resource' - Margaret Gibson, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Griffith University, Australia 'Ruth McManus's perceptive assessment of encounters with death provides readers with an original and invaluable resource exploring global developments and contemporary human responses to death.' - Cyril Schafer, Lecturer in Social Anthropology, University of Otago, New Zealand 'This smartly written work demonstrates the sociological imagination at its best when analyzing how global dynamics shape international mortality patterns, mortuary practices, and death belief systems'. -Michael C. Kearl, Trinity University, USA

• Introduction: Death is Integral to LifePerspectives and Theories on Death and DyingThe Social Organisation of Dying and Death: A New Paradigm EmergesPatterns in Life and Death: Shifting Demographic Trends ReShape Life ExpectanciesThe Death Industries: Bespoke My DeathFunerary Rites: A Decent Send-OffGriefMass Death: Global ImaginariesReligion: The De-Secularisation of Spiritual Life and Death?Representations Of Mortality: Watching Real Death Is Good?Conclusion: Death in a Global Age.