The American Way of Death by Jessica Mitford

Here is the classic anatomy of America’s funeral practices, brought up to date for a new generation. Thirty-five years ago, Jessica Mitford’s savage and hilarious The American Way of Death was a Number 1 bestseller and occasioned new legislation intended to reform the funeral industry. Now, this revised edition contains completely new chapters on, among other things, prepayment, the new multinational corporations, and the failure of the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the laws that the original edition of this book helped bring about. And, of course, there’s a total updating of facts and figures that tell the tale. An essential guide to dealing with the questionable practices of an industry that sooner or later affects us all. (1998)

Only the scathing wit and searching intelligence of Jessica Mitford could turn an expose of the American funeral industry into a book that is at once deadly serious and side-splittingly funny. When first published in 1963, this landmark of investigative journalism became an runaway bestseller and resulted in legislation to protect grieving families from the unscrupulous sales practices of those in “the dismal trade.” (2000)

War, Peace and Non Resistance by Guy Hershberger

Guy F. Hershberger’s comprehensive work on nonresistance, its application and practice by the church through history. Biblical nonresistance and pacifism are analyzed and contrasted. Practical suggestions are given for a vigorous program of teaching and practice. A classic statement of a Mennonite peace position in faith and practice.