Last Words

<p> The last words of the dying often provide insight into their feelings about life. Some are peaceful (It is very beautiful over there--Thomas Alva Edison); many are spiritual (Don't ask the Lord to keep me here. Ask him to have mercy--Walker Percy); others are angry (God-damn the whole frigging world and everybody in it--except you Carlotta--W.C. Fields); still others reflect the weary fight against death (I'm bored of it all--Sir Winston Churchill).</p><p> Nearly 2000 deathbed quotations from saints popes statesmen scientists soldiers musicians athletes artists entertainers writers criminals and others are included in this reference work. Each entry includes a brief biographical sketch of the person and sets the quotation in context. The sources for the quotes include biographies newspaper and magazine accounts and in a few instances firsthand accounts.</p>