A wise and compassionate book about how we cope with death and dyingKeeping vigil over the dying is an essential human practice with long cultural traditions and profound psychological benefits. Yet, as legal scholar Louise Harmon shows, the institutions of modern life—from hospitals to courtrooms —intrude on this practice. In this humane and lyrical book, Harmon looks at literature, philosophy, history, and autobiography as she delicately probes the taboos around discussion of death. She asks whether the law can recognize the needs of families and loved ones and protect the space of their grieving. "What an elegant, passionate, moving meditation! Harmon is part philosopher, part poet, a combination that is sure to make this unique book an enduring classic."—Patricia Williams, author of The Rooster's Egg Read Less