Epitaphs are a unique artform.
In more recent times, humour has come into play: Spike Milligan\'s characteristically irreverent epitaph - which translates as \'I told you I was ill\' - gives new life to his comedic voice beyond the grave.
This book brings together over 250 epitaph.
In previous centuries they were regarded as an opportunity to celebrate, mourn, reflect on, philosophize, lament, or affirm the individual and the mystery of life and death, often giving rise to carefully crafted verse.
Epitaphs are a unique artform