MORTALITY

Abstract For many readers of Browne’s books, his essay Urn Burial is his finest work. It’s an essay that begins with a description of funerary practices around the world and through history, and delves into the consideration of Christian views on immortality, Buddhist views on annihilation, and Hindu views on reincarnation. This chapter examines the theme of mortality in Urn Burial, considering the context of the rest of Browne’s work, with a focus on Browne’s conviction of the futility of expecting earthly renown after death. Browne’s familiarity with death and dead bodies (through both medical practice and human dissection) is touched upon, as is Browne’s writings on offering palliative care to a young man dying of tuberculosis, published posthumously as Letter to a Friend. Finally, Browne’s own death is described, as well as his legacy.