Death and Architecture: An Introduction to Funerary and Commemorative Buildings in the Western European Tradition

by James Stevens Curl

Richly illustrated with over 350 photographs, plans and engravings, this fascinating and unusual book examines the importance of funerary architecture in the development of architectural style. It reveals many hidden wonders and beauties throughout the world.

Genres: Death, Architecture

448 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

About the author

Born in Ireland, where he received his early education, Professor Emeritus James Stevens Curl has held Chairs in Architectural History at two British Universities. Having graduated in Architecture at Oxford, he went on to study Town Planning, and wrote his Dissertation under the direction of the German architect, Arthur Korn. He later read for his Doctorate at University College London, and has twice been Visiting Fellow at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. He is a Member of The Royal Irish Academy, a Fellow of the Societies of Antiquaries of London and of Scotland, an Architect Accredited in Building Conservation, a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, a Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and a Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects . He worked for a number of years as an architect, with an especial interest in historic buildings and conservation, until he became a full-time academic in 1978, having already published perceptive articles and books which began to establish his reputation for impeccable scholarship, a fine prose-style, and penetrating insights.