"Four generations of David Charles Sloane's family have designed, landscaped, and managed cemeteries, so when he tells that story in 'The Last Great Necessity' he does so with a professional's equanimity and expertise. In his exploration of the evolving design, economics, and social role of the American cemetery, Sloane handily demonstrates the cemetery's vital connection to popular culture, one he believes to be at least as strong as its more obvious tie to religious custom."--'Voice Literary Supplement' "An important contribution to an understanding of how Americans perceived death and to the growing commercialization of burial practices and customs. The more than fifty illustrations and tables provide dramatic evidence of a changing cultural form."--'Historian' "The most comprehensive history of American cemeteries yet published...Sloane's most original contribution is his analysis of the management side of cemetery life, showing how economic changes and institutions affected religious and aesthetic ideals in the cemetery."--'Journal of American History'
