SAGE Reference’s extraordinary, new Encyclopedia of Death and the Human Experience explores the process of dying and the phenomenon of death

 Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, and Washington DC (June 5, 2009) Death often is more a social process than an event, and significant knowledge has been generated on the anticipation of death, the process of dying, and the institutional context of dying.

SAGE Reference’s comprehensive, new, two-volume Encyclopedia of Death and the Human Experience examines the complex beliefs, traditions, and social rituals surrounding dying and death, as well as the emotional responses related to bereavement, grieving, and mourning. Written by an international group of eminent scholars, over 300 highly accessible, authoritative entries organize, define, and clarify the broad field of thanatological knowledge. A Reader’s Guide helpfully organizes the death-related perspectives, concepts, and theories into key categories, such as the following:

• Arts, Media, and Popular Culture Perspectives
• Causes of Death
• Conceptualization of Death, Dying, and the Human Experience
• Coping with Loss and Grief: The Human Experience
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives
• Cultural-Determined, Social-Oriented, and Violent Forms of Death
• Developmental and Demographic Perspectives
• Funerals and Death-Related Activities
• Legal Matters
• Process of Dying
• Symbolic Rituals, Ceremonies, and Celebrations of Life
• Theories and Concepts
• Unworldly Entities and Events

Figures, tables, images, organizational resources, and appendices enhance readers’ impressions of the vast array of theoretical, practical, historical, contemporary, and futuristic topics presented.

All academic and public libraries will be quick to obtain SAGE’s Encyclopedia of Death and the Human Experience for its focus on the human condition, blending new topics with traditional entries to create a unique dimension to the study of death and dying.

Co-editor Clifton D. Bryant is Professor of Sociology at Virginia Tech University. Co-editor Dennis L. Peck is Professor of Sociology at The University of Alabama.

SAGE is a leading international publisher of journals, books, and electronic media for academic, educational, and professional markets. Since 1965, SAGE has helped inform and educate a global community of scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students spanning a wide range of subject areas including business, humanities, social sciences, and science, technology and medicine. A privately owned corporation, SAGE has principal offices in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, and Washington DC. www.sagepublications.com

October 2009 

ISBN: 978-1-4129-5178-4         Print Price: $350           TWO -VOLUME SET

eISBN: 978-1-4129-7203-1       Electronic Price: $435

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SAGE is a leading international publisher of journals, books, and electronic media for academic, educational, and professional markets. Since 1965, SAGE has helped inform and educate a global community of scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students spanning a wide range of subject areas including business, humanities, social sciences, and science, technology, and medicine. An independent company, SAGE has principal offices in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC. www.sagepublications.com

Press Release Contact:
Mary Kay Jezzini
SAGE Publicist
212-352-1404
publicity@sagepub.com