Grave Matters

A curious collection of 500 actual epitaphs, from which we learn of grieving spouses, fatal gluttony, vengeful relations, and all manner of partin commentary

People have wanted to have the last word from the beginning of time—and they’ve been writing their own for almost as long. Their wise, witty and often bizarre last messages have now been immortalized in Grave Matters, this wonderfully entertaining collection of epitaphs taken from headstones, church records and historical accounts in the United States and the British Isles.
 
The epitaphs in Grave Matters span four centuries, and make memorable use of poetry, epigrams and surprising turns of phrase to make parting comments that range from the wry . . .
 
On the 29th of November,
A confounded piece of timber
Came down, bang slam,
And killed I, John Lamb.
Huntingdon, England
1700
 
to the satisfied. . . .
 
THOMAS ALLEYN AND HIS TWO WIVES
Death here advantage hath of life I spye,
One husband with two wifes at once may lye.
Witchingham, England
1650
 
to the short and sweet. . . .

Going, But Know Not Where
Putnam, CT.
1918
 
A fascinating look at the way people lived and died in days gone by, Grave Matters is the perfect addition to any library for the literary, the learned and (especially) the living.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs