A very useful collection of essays on funeral practices in China (focusing on the last 400 years to 1990). Perhaps too technical for the general reader, but definitely of interest for those with specialised interests in Chinese history and customs. Differentiates between funeral practices of North from South China (where double burials are practised), rural and urban, rich and poor, commoners vs. emperors, and a fascinating article that compares Mao's (d. 1976) and Chiang Kai-shek's (d. 1975) respective funerals and memorial halls. I suspect so many of the old practices have changed in the past 20 years that this collection of essays drastically needs a new final chapter on funeral practices in the PRC as practiced at present. However, vestiges of some of the old customs can still be seen today in such places as Hong Kong and Singapore. ( )