Why anyone would want to travel from throughout the world to see our cemeteries is beyond me. Since my days as a local police officer, I have been perplexed as to why someone would seek out a place where people are buried. Especially the ones buried above ground.
When a tourist would ask me where such-and-such cemetery was, I pointed out directions. When they left my presence, I always developed the strangest facial expressions.
Eric J. Brock does not change any of this. But what his book does is present a topic that makes for fascinating reading and perusing through the many photographs. And, photos he does have.
Brock's title is another one of the Images of America series. This is a series that features unique pictures of the topic covered. Hundreds of them. All interesting. All historic...
New Orleans is about three feet below sea level, so burying people above ground makes sense. I guess. Brock shows and tells us why someone can be interested in such a topic. There are large monuments to individuals who lived here in this area. There are imported designs celebrating a family heritage. There are animals, buildings, facades, angels, placards, etc. All, revealing a deep history in how New Orleans shows respect for the dead.
Each time I open the covers I am amazed at the interesting facts I learn that I have been taking for granted. For decades. Brock is changing my opinions of such a gory topic. I believe this. But, I also know I'm getting older. Only time will tell if Brock succeeds in this endeavor, or my age succeeds in uncoverning my true feelings.But, it's a good book, either way.