Abby Burnett

This fascinating look at death and dying in Arkansas' Ozark Region goes beyond the stated scope to provide additional context for the reader or researcher. The author used primary sources, oral history, newspapers, and regional and national periodicals in her research body, making a comprehensive study of the subject. Some readers may remember portions of these practices from their own lives. The author traced origins of many practices to places Arkansans or their ancestors previously lived. While one might expect the focus to be entirely on practices from the death of an individual until their interment, the author includes information on causes of death and procedures followed in dealing with disease, the aged, the poor, and more. While the book possesses a very academic tone, it still presents interesting information useful to genealogists and historians working both inside and outside the Ozark Region.… (mais)