This is a warts and all account of life as a funeral director in the days before social media and mobile phones. Though some of the chapters deal with fairly tragic circumstances, the author never sensationalises, preferring to remain factual and delicate, often keeping the mood light with the addition of many amusing stories. His expertise with burials at sea is particularly fascinating, as are his thoughts on the funeral trends of today. Highly recommended for anyone interested in what happens behind the scenes of a profession not often discussed.