Like a certain friend is known to proclaim – WOW!

That was my first impression seeing “The Rapture of Death” a beautifully crafted little book, written by Prue Gibson and designed / printed by Boccalatte.

If you are looking for something for that special friend for christmas, look no further, even Nosferatu would be impressed.

Two dismembered thumbs up!

The Rapture of Death is a philosophical enquiry into the use of deathly imagery in contemporary art. It explores art and also literature, film and history to investigate why fear of death is an intrinsic part of life. This non fiction art book is a protracted, personal and an accessible essay into the meaning of mortal fear and its related symbols, myths, rhapsodies, warnings and curious obsessions.

 Small, tactile and collectible, the book stalks monsters, nineteenth century ghost traditions, skulls, taxidermy, seventeenth century wunderkammer and the latest ‘curiosity art’ to find some answers. Discussions of burial poles, fetish and the glorious wings of angels add to the writer’s attempts to uncover our deepest deathly fears.

It’s currently for sale through boccalattemakebooks.com