A History of Mourning

Delving into the ancient roots of grief, this work traces how societies have marked loss from the earliest mythic ages to the elaborate ceremonies of later eras. Beginning with the astonishing customs of Egypt—where yellow signaled death, eyebrows were shaved, and even beloved cats were mummified—the narrative paints vivid scenes of solemn processions, professional mourners, and towering tombs that still dominate the desert landscape.

Beyond the pharaohs, the author follows the evolution of mourning across cultures, highlighting the symbolic choices of colour, clothing, and ritual that have shaped human responses to bereavement. Interwoven with striking illustrations and scholarly footnotes, the book invites listeners to consider how the rituals of sorrow reflect broader beliefs about life, death, and the divine, offering a thoughtful tour through the rites that have comforted—and sometimes bewildered—generations.