The Harlem Book of the Dead

Available for the first time since 1978, this presents an expansive collection of Black funerary traditions in Harlem, captured through the artistry of James Van Der Zee, a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance. This publication serves as the most comprehensive compilation of Van Der Zee's funerary photographs, including over three dozen meticulously crafted portraits. The artist, known for his adept use of darkroom techniques and retouching, creatively incorporated celestial figures, poetry, and biblical scenes into his images.