Covering all aspects of death and dying -- biological, medical, social, sociological, psychological, religious, and philosophical -- the 2-vol. < I>Macmillan Encyclopedia of Death and Dying < /I>also provides a deep historical and cross-cultural perspective through the ages. More than 400 entries cover AIDS, children, cremation, communication with the dead, grief and mourning across cultures, genocide, life-expectancy, widows, and much more. Also includes an appendix providing general overviews and contact information for nearly 80 organizations, 150 illustrations, and a comprehensive index.