Little Book of Humanist Funerals pictured centre
The Little Book of Humanist Funerals, by me and Humanists UK Vice President Alice Roberts is out today!
The book isn’t a “how-to” guide to arranging a funeral but an all-in-one book that will help readers begin to reflect on their own thoughts on death, dying, and grief – questions we so often put on hold. The book includes quotes and meditations from some of history’s greatest thinkers, and stories from Humanists UK celebrants. It quotes everyone from Shakespeare to Stephen Fry, Nelson Mandela to Zora Neale Hurston, and Marie Curie to Marcus Aurelius.
Speaking at our recent launch event, Alice Roberts described the book as ‘a lovely companion to the original Little Book of Humanism’ which was published in 2020 and instantly became a Sunday Times bestseller. She said:
‘I hope this special little book isn’t just picked up by those organising a humanist funeral – although very useful! There’s so much more in The Little Book of Humanist Funerals about the meaning of life more generally – and mortality and death have to be part of that thinking.’
Humanist funerals, which are non-religious and focus on celebrating the life and legacy of those who have died, have become increasingly popular in recent years. A 2016 YouGov survey suggested that one in seven people in the UK now want to have a humanist funeral when they die. Since 1896, Humanists UK celebrants have worked with families who have lost their loved ones to carry out bespoke ceremonies for non-religious people. The Little Book of Humanist Funerals encapsulates the essence of these ceremonies which have become well-loved for their warmth and inclusive nature.
The book can be purchased with a 10% discount when buying online at Waterstones using the code ‘HUMAN’ (available until 21 June 2023). It can also be ordered from Amazon, Blackwell’s, Hive, and all good bookshops at £12.99 RRP. It is published by Piatkus Books, an imprint of Little, Brown. All author royalties from the book go towards supporting the work of Humanists UK.