Final Thoughts: Eternal Beauty in Stone

The cover illustration of Final Thoughts, of the Old Fifth Parish Cemetery here in Rockport, MA, was one of the many magnificent photos that John Thomas Grant took for this book, which is a beautiful, thoughtful, pictorial survey of old graveyards of New England, New York and Pennsylvania. Most are from graveyards right here on Cape Ann. The inscriptions are not always dry, lofty phrases from the Bible, and sometimes they give you an insight into what the "loved ones" really thought about the departed one. On a set of gravestones in a Gloucester cemetery, author Grant found these inscriptions:On Abigail Story's stone--"Grieve not for me, my husband dear;I am not dead, but sleeping here;with patience wait, prepare to die,and in a short time you'll come to I." (1851)On John Story's stone:"I am not grieved, my dearest wifesleep on, I've found another wife.Therefore I cannot come to thee,for I must go and live with she." (1851) That wife, Abigail, died in 1851. The busy John Story then married Martha, who died in 1862; then he married Mary A., who died in 1888. I wonder if John just wanted to make his verse rhyme or was just being polite to Abigail when he wrote "with she"? [See the picture at page 22 of Final Thoughts.]

Having spent some time in the past years wandering through cemeterieswhere I had not yet been this book feels like a vast extension of thatpursuit, opening eyes wider than they've seen before, like Jupiter afterthe Hubble telescope. The verses transport me to places where I want tospend more time, hadn't previously.My wish is that every person considering a monument will have a copy ofthis book, this book of ideas, to ponder before committing to stone,iron, or bronze their personal statement of appreciation for their timehere on Earth, or for that of a loved one departed, words placed uponshapes addressed to future recipients unknown. Seems to me a renewedtradition could be afoot here, these images and texts are sacred in thatregard.The inscription on page 85 seems appropriate to the contents of thiscollection, also as a meme for the reader and for all time.John Thomas, you've done very well sir.

The people who will find this book to their liking are many. Those who appreciate beauty, fine photography, history and cemeteries will consider this one of their new favorite books. While I have come to know and appreciate the photographer/author's work via Facebook, I have been stunned to see the incredible work of this man as presented in Final Thoughts. I received my copy only two days ago and have been through the entire book two times and look forward to another visit to the past in the near future. Even though the cemeteries featured are all located in the northeast, any person who enjoys the subject matter will find this book a delight. The physical quality of the book is very good and a bargain for the price. Definitely a book you want in your library.

I have always been fascinated with cemetery art and headstones, and was lucky enough to have a profession that allowed me to see some of the best examples around the world. I own the book "Beautiful Death", and while looking for similar books, discovered "Final Thoughts". I immediately ordered it and was not disappointed. What a beautiful book, filled with pages of gorgeous pictures and prose. This is a book that will be appreciated by anyone who not only loves and recognizes the beauty of cemetery art, by but all who value the beauty of all forms of art and sculpture. Thank you Mr. Grant, for compiling such beautiful photos and putting them together for us in one special book.

This book is beautiful and will be read over and over. It’s touching and inspirational. What some parents wrote on the death of their child is heartbreaking and makes you cry. Now I know exactly what my own marker will be. I’ll be giving some copies as Christmas gifts. As a coffee table book, guests will most assuredly pick it up out of curiosity and get drawn in.

The first thing that struck me about this book was the size and the high quality of the paper. John Thomas Grant has done an amazing job of matching pictures with poetry (epitaphs?). I have to agree with the previous review that states this is a "coffee table style book". So true! It's the type of book that should be shared. This book will be read over and over by me, and anyone who cares to look at it. Page 53 is so amazing, and I hope everyone will notice "Will and Grace". If you know someone who appreciates the beauty of the art in cemeteries, this would be a magnificent holiday gift!

I'm a fiction writer and I thrive on stimulating photos to spark my imagination. I've always loved the beauty and peace of cemetaries, so pre-ordered this book the second I discovered it. It came in the mail yesterday, and when I tell you you'll be stunned and transported by these images, I mean it! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! I can't wait to get this book signed. I'm buying more for Christmas gifts, and I'm proud to have this on display in my home for my friends and family. My favorite photos are on pages: 8, 14,18,28, 29, 38/39,40,43, 45,47, 53(holy cripes!),63(the light in this is out of this world), 65,76,80,89,125,132,and 155. Thank you, John Thomas Grant.

I TAKE GREAT COMFORT IN GOING TO THE GRAVES OF MY LOVED ONES...AND I TOOK INTEREST IN JOHN GRANTS BOOK, BUT DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT, OTHER THAN SEEING 'BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS'...BUT BEING JUST HALF WAY THRU THE BOOK, I AM BLOWN AWAY WITH FEELING AND THOUGHTS THAT I NEVER WOULD HAVE EXPECTED...EACH PHOTO IS FAR FROM DEATH, AND TO ME SEEMS TO BELLOW 'LIFE'...AND MY THOUGHTS SO FAR ARE MANY, BUT THE ONE THING THAT FOR ME 'POPS' IS READING THE WORD ON THE STONE...A WORD I HAVE SEEN ON MANY STONES, BUT SOMEHOW JOHN GRANTS SEEMS TO CAPTURE...THE WORD 'BORN'...