- Paperback: 304 pages
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd; New edition edition (19 Jun 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0340861932
- ISBN-13: 978-0340861936
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.8 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
195,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #27 in Books > Society, Politics & Philosophy > Social Sciences > Sociology > Family & Social Groups > Death & Dying
- #56 in Books > Humour > TV Tie-in Humour
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"A macabre gem! - Punch
Product Description
From graveside punch-ups and gangland-style funerals to the sci-fi mysteries of cryonic suspension, this is the story of Barry Albin-Dyer, who runs one of the UK's oldest family firms of funeral directors, in Rotherhithe, South London. Now an ITV documentary, this edition contains extra photographs and a new cover. At times funny, at times bizarre, this is an insight into the profession of death. He describes all aspects of his work, from removing bodies from suicide and murder scenes to eccentric morticians, cryonics, spooky happenings and fights in cemeteries. As well as explaining the tricks of the trade, Barry, a Roman Catholic convert, ponders the meaning of death, the afterlife and the process of grieving, and refutes the claim that funeral directors prey on the vulnerable.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having watched the televison documentary, I picked up this thinking, I was going to read about what I had just previously been watching, but that is not the case.
This book is informative in explaining, all them questions about death, that us ordinary mortals, are too scared to ask. Covering burials, cremations and the new way forward cryonics. What does exactly happen in embalming and why do they exhume bodies so early in a morning?
You in some ways have to admire Barry Albin-Dyer, for his sheer business sense and gall in life. He has fingers in a number of pies, and how he has time to do funerals, is beyond me. This book explains, it all and proves an interesting insight into a fact of life, that none of us like to face. Like any job, there are tales of the moving and then outright bizarre. From the very strange Mr Muller, to insensitive vicars and punch ups at gravesides. There is one thing, that this book has got and that is warmth and humour, and that is shown through Albin-Dyer's handling of a very sensitive subject, while on the surface it appears humourous, you know that each individaul that encounters them will be treated with warmth and respect.
A book worthy of reading, about funerals and deaths not just in this country and in our culture, but many others as well.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Well what can i say? this is a fantastic book, its funny and informative. Im only 15 and this is the first book that i have ever read from start to finish. I have a very high interest in the funeral world and done my workexperience with a local directors. It was a grait read, and i would recomend it to anyone. As i have had some knowlage of the funeral world, i can relate to What barry is writing. The book covers every asspect to the funeral world. Now i have read this one im going to read the rest.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Many you of may want to read this book as you are intrigued by the life of a funeral director - thats exactly how I was. After watching the tv series I bought this book and wasn't disappointed. It gives a greater insight into the profession without being morbid, and at time was very humerous.
Its a book with a difference - very easy to read and full of memoirs that will make you laugh and cry.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Don't Drop the Coffin!
This is a really good read, especially for those who may be connected in any way with attending, or helping out at funerals. I found it both funny and informative. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Mr. D. G. Pettit
dont drop the coffin.
My hubby is an undertaker that is why we bought the book and it is set in london with what can go wrong in the trade and sometimes quite funny stories.
Published 23 months ago by Mrs. Carole A. Evans
A great read
This is a fascinating book that tells you all you've ever wanted to know about undertaking. It's all here: embalming, wacky funerals, bizarre goings on in the morgue and even... Read more
Published on 6 Mar 2005 by paul hughes
Couldn't put it down
I couldn't put this book down and had to read it from start to finish in one go. It's one of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. Read more
Published on 31 Aug 2003 by redhotchilli
Don't Drop The Coffin
I'm about to finish this book and have found it very imformative and has helped in some way to banish my own thoughts that funeral homes were creepy. Read more
Published on 5 Nov 2002 by E. Fallon
Poor man's Thomas Lynch
I found this book very self-regarding and pompous. He is a poor man's Thomas Lynch.
Published on 3 Sep 2002 by James G. McKelvie
Coffin lid of secrecy only creaks open a little
It's clear from Barry Albin's account of his days as an undertaker that he is respected, professional and even revered in some quarters. Read more
Published on 24 Jun 2002 by Hal Crispin
Don't Drop the Coffin
This has to be one of the best books I have read recently, It brought tears to my eyes, and I have also found it very funny, coming from Bermondsey, I can really relate to some of... Read more
Published on 19 Jun 2002
Dead Funny
In the same way that Anthony Bourdain's 'Kitchen Confidential' brilliantly exposed the restaurant/kitchen industry as a seething pot of deviants and delinquents, Don't Drop the... Read more
Published on 21 May 2002 by craig.stowell@totalwebsolutions.com
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