Routledge Handbook of Dark Events

This handbook explores and critically evaluates key debates and controversies in the emerging field of Dark Events. It brings together leading specialists from a range of disciplinary backgrounds and geographical regions, to provide state-of-the-art theoretical reflection and empirical research on celebrations, heritage, and customs of death (events) and the macabre.

Divided into 10 parts, the book explores: traditions of dark festivals and events; the display of the dead; commemoration and authenticity within the context of dark events; dark events from the past; dark events in popular culture, controversial dark events; grief and memory; managing dark event experiences; decolonisation and equality for the dead; and dark event futures. This significant volume offers the reader a comprehensive synthesis of this emerging field, conveying the latest thinking and research. The text is international in focus, encouraging dialogue across disciplinary boundaries and areas of study, providing an invaluable resource for all those with an interest in Dark Events.

This is essential reading for students, researchers and academics of Dark Events, as well as those of related studies such as Tourism, Cultural Studies, Leisure, Geography, Sociology, Death Studies, and Museums.