All the Living and the Dead

In this work of investigative reportage, Hayley Campbell documents the logistics and labor behind the modern death industry. She interviews professionals across several specialized fields, including embalmers, crime scene cleaners, funeral directors, and anatomical pathology technicians. The text details the mechanical processes of post-mortem care, such as the restoration of facial features for open-casket viewings, the precision required for forensic autopsies, and the heavy machinery used in mass-casualty exhumations. By centering the physical reality of the corpse, Campbell examines the industrial systems that manage human remains and the psychological tolls on those who facilitate our final transitions.

This book serves readers interested in the intersection of sociology and medical science who want to understand the invisible infrastructure of mortality. It appeals to those looking for a blunt, unsentimental look at how societies handle biological waste and grief. Readers gain a technical understanding of the chemistry and tools used in preserving bodies, alongside an appreciation for the emotional resilience required of death workers. The narrative provides a practical framework for thinking about the body as a physical object after life has ceased, stripping away cultural mystery in favor of professional expertise.