The Oxford Book of Death

'Reading for this anthology,' says D. J. Enright in his introduction, 'I was moved to the thought that on no theme have writers shown themselves more lively. ' The inescapable reality of death has given rise to much of literature''s most profound and moving work. D. J. Enright''s wonderfully eclectic selection presents the words of poet and novelist, scientist and philosopher, mystic and sceptic. And alongside these ''professional'' writers, he allows the voices of ordinary people to be heard; for this is a subject on which there are no real experts and wisdom lies in many unexpected places.