How Did They Die? Vol. 1

by Norman Donaldson, Betty Donaldson

A look at how various historical figures met their maker discusses the demise of James Dean, Howard Hughes, Casanova, Amelia Earhart, Oscar Wilde, Jesse James, Attila the Hun, Cleopatra, Albert Einstein, Spencer Tracy, and others. Reissue.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I am the sordid sort of person who likes to read about famous people dying. I also like to visit their graves. It's the closest we get to time travel. Don't tell me there's nothing but dust in those old graves. There is still some kind of matter there.

This is like an encyclopedia in that the entries are in alphabetical order. All the people are famous from B.C. to A.D. up to the 1970s, which is when I think this book was written. There were only a couple of people listed that I did not know. They run the gamut: politicians, writers, musicians, composers, artists and celebrities.

One thing I found interesting was how, before antibiotics and vaccines, how many people died of diseases that are wholly preventable now. Many of them died after being sickly from preventable diseases. Their bodies just wore out.

Then there are the assassinations and suicides, but most people before the twentieth century became victim to sicknesses that clean water and proper medical care cure now and they just got sicker and sicker until they bodies finally quit.

If you are interested in the macabre, like me, then you will find this book highly interesting.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by death, and the experiences of those who enter that long, dark corridor into the World of Spirits. This book covers the deaths and death-bed experiences of 325 famous people.

The only thing that annoys me with this book, is the authors sometimes seem unable to keep their personal beliefs and opinions out of the story. For example, when describing the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, the authors state that "In office he was a complete failure but nevertheless gained another term." Clearly opinionated; his first term as president could not have failed completely if he was able to get a second. Also, when describing the events leading to the death of Joseph Smith, the author tells the story from the point of view of one of the men who conspired to murder him. It's important, when writing this sort of book, to keep all opinions out of the picture, and tell only the facts.

Other than that, it's a marvelous work, fun reading for those of us who are morbid, and one of the first books of its kind.

[Aaron the Pink Donut · Rating 3 out of 5]

before the internet these sort of books were invaluable for us morbid types. Its still good and worth checking out.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does the reader get to know where they died, but if possible, what their last words were. Great reference book to have on hand.

[M! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Covers the very interesting, sometimes mysterious, sometimes gruesome, deaths of the most interesting historical figures I had heard about my whole life growing up. I used to read and re-read this book (which didn't take long).