The Empire of Death: A Cultural History of Ossuaries and Charnel Houses
“. . . an astounding achievement, both as a literary and photographic work.” (Fangoria)“Koudounaris gracefully transcends mere ghastliness and ghoulishness to challenge cultural perceptions of death, both current and centuries old. The result is not only a highly original work of great visual beauty and rigorous scholarship but also a surprisingly intimate and tender meditation on what the author calls 'the dialogue with the dead.'” (Bloomsbury Review)“The photos of the skulls alone justify the purchase.” (Talk)