R.I.P.: Here Lie the Last Words, Epitaphs, Morbid Musings, and Fond Farewells of the Famous and Not-So-Famous

by Susan K. Hom

Death can be a tricky business and you only have one chance to get it right—best do some research while you still have time! Gathered in these pages are some of the most (in)famous dead people that the world has ever known, including George Washington, Bette Davis, and Al Capone. The first section offers some of the witty epitaphs, while the second is packed with amusing quotations. Check these out: Alfred Hitchcock’s “I’m involved in a plot,” Jack Benny’s “Did you hear about my operation?,” and H.G. Wells’s “I told you so, damnit!” Another section honors memorable last words, both candid and thoughtful. It’s a rare look at celebrities’ most private moments, helpfully collated for your macabre amusement.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Death

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Vaughnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as the title says. Quick, fun little read.

[Nichole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn’t what I was expecting. I thought there would of been small stories about how the person died or something like that. I paid $2.00 for it and I wish I hadn’t.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are plenty of gems in this book, I even had a few history lessons!

[Jennifer Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed promising when I picked it up & casually leafed through it, but did not stand up well to more thourough reading. A lot of the epitaths were what people "suggested" be put on their tombstone, not what was actually on there. I could suggest anything - Here lies the rotting remains of Jennifer who was driven mad by reading lousy books and threw herself in front of a bus. Except that I plan to be cremated & won't have a tombstone so I suppose the whole point is moot.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This struck out to me, mostly because I just moved, "No matter who you are, you only get a little slice of the world. Have you ever seen a hearse followed by a U-Hual? - Billu Graham, Christian Evangelist

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fun! It's a collection of epitaphs, death bed last words and thoughts, and farewells of famous and, some not well-known but memorable people. Some quotes are heart breaking, some inspirational, and some entertaining. All make this book interesting and amusing.

[Sharonbrown3158 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, fun little book full of fun tombstones and last words. "Drink to me," said Picasso. Great for reference.

[Metagion]

This book was OK, but (again) some of these I've read before, and while that doesn't detract from the book at all, it was kind of short for me. Nice to browse through, though.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book is in the shape of a tombstone, intriguing! Expected a little more of epitaphs.