Edited by Ru Callender, the essential and influential guide covering the practical, emotional and spiritual aspects of death and dying, now in its fifth edition. Completely revised and expanded, the Natural Death Handbook now includes a collection of essays by eminent writers, and a directory of UK and Ireland natural burial grounds, progressive funeral directors […]
In a feature published by Popsa, alternative undertaker Rupert Callender reflects on his approach to funerals, memory and how shared ritual can help families navigate grief in a more meaningful and personal way. The article explores Ru’s belief that funerals are not simply events that mark the end of a life, but important moments where […]
A recent report in The Bookseller highlighted growing interest in Rupert Callender’s memoir What Remains: Life, Death and the Human Art of Undertaking, with film and television rights optioned by Working Title Films, the production company behind a number of internationally recognised films. The article notes that the memoir, first published in 2022, traces Ru’s […]
n a feature published by The Guardian, alternative undertaker Rupert Callender shares his perspective on how funerals can become more personal, environmentally conscious and emotionally honest. The article explores Ru’s journey into the funeral profession and his mission to challenge conventional funeral traditions. Rather than focusing on formal rituals, elaborate hearses or standardised ceremonies, Ru […]
In an interview with VICE, alternative undertaker Rupert Callender discusses his path into the funeral profession, his views on the modern funeral industry, and the philosophy that guides his work. The feature explores how personal experiences of loss shaped Ru’s approach to funerals and why he believes participation, honesty and human connection should sit at […]
In an interview with The Quietus, alternative undertaker and author Rupert Callender discusses the ideas behind his book What Remains: Life, Death and the Human Art of Undertaking, exploring how personal experience, ritual and human connection shape the way we understand death. The conversation reveals how Ru’s life journey — from childhood bereavement and boarding […]
A feature in the Camden New Journal explores the work and writing of alternative undertaker Rupert Callender, focusing on the ideas behind his memoir What Remains and his approach to funerals that place participation, honesty and human connection at the centre. The article reflects on Ru’s unconventional background, his philosophy about death and ritual, and […]
Rupert Callender’s memoir What Remains: Life, Death and the Human Art of Undertaking was featured as Book of the Month by the cultural journal Caught by the River. The review reflects on the book as a thoughtful and candid exploration of death, ritual and the role of the undertaker, drawing attention to its honesty, tenderness […]
Ru Callender, author of “What Remains?”, will be undertaking his book tour this autumn ahead of the release of his debut book. Book your tickets now to join him and to watch this storyteller in action! Sussex: Caught by the River – 10th September 2022 Wales: Camp Good Life – 17th September 2022 London: The […]