The Empire of Death: A Cultural History of Ossuaries and Charnel Houses by Paul Koudounaris (a black cover with gold lettering and detailed border. In the middle is a photograph of a skeleton in silver and gold armor)

The Empire of Death: A Cultural History of Ossuaries and Charnel Houses

by Paul Koudounaris Author

A photographic and analytical representation of the Paris Catacombs

Modern photography mixed with historical images and representations of death through the eyes of the Paris catacombs as well as other catacombs throughout Europe and Africa. In the 18th century the tunnels went under construction using the remains of more than 6 million people. Without visiting them, this book provides generous insight to the thought processes and imagery the creators were after.