Introduction PRESENT day conditions of public feeling, aided by an almost universal censorship conducted by cemetery authorities, has practically ended the manufacture of absurd epitaphs. In compiling a work of this kind it is therefore obvious that the major part of its contents are, to say the least, not modern. Also that some of the collection has previously appeared in previous publications. However, a large number of previously unpublished epitaphs have been obtained, to which are added many which have only appeared before in rare publications, long out of print. Certain epitaphs, by their frequent publication, have become accepted classics in graveyard literature and could not with propriety be excluded from as complete a collection as this. Of these latter there are many variants, for they have been copied and recopied from cemetery to cemetery in all parts of the world. An effort has been made to present only the best forms of this class. Many important epitaphs have never been actually engraved upon tombs, but have appeared as obituary notices in periodicals or in the writings of recognized authors of standing. Still others have appeared in works of fiction, or without pretense of validity have been published in other mediums. Their presence here is chiefly valuable as instancing the validity of the adage—“Truth is stranger than fiction." Their wit or absurdity is often less than that of epitaphs of undisputed authenticity. Being familiar with the majority of previous publications on this subject, the compiler of this volume does not hesitate to recommend it as the most complete, comprehensive, and careful selection of odd, grotesque and striking epitaphs yet presented to the public. Acknowledgments are made to Alexander H. Laidlaw, Jr., of New York City, for the use of private collections and other assistance in making this collection. Philadelphia, July 1, 1904. FREDERIC WM. UNGER. Unconscious Humor Τον The Memory of as A Mark of Affection by His From St. Nicholas', Yarmouth : Here lyeth ye body of SARAH BLOOMFIELD, Aged 74 Cut off in blooming yuthe we can but pity. In New Jersey: Julia Adams Died of thin shoes, April 17th, 1839, |