How to Die

"'He who would teach men to die would teach them to live,'writes Montaigne inEssais, and inHow to Die: A Book on Being Alive, Ray Robertson takes up the challenge. Though contemporary society avoids the subject and often values the mere continuation of existence over its quality, Robertson argues that the active and intentional consideration of death is neither morbid nor frivolous, but instead essential to our ability to fully value life.How to Dieis both an absorbing excursion through some of Western literature's most compelling works on the subject of death as well as an anecdote-driven argument for cultivating a better understanding of death in the belief that, if we do, we'll know more about what it means to live a meaningful life." (From Biblioasis)

Robertson has written several works of both fiction and nonfiction. His bookWhy Not? Fifteen Reasons to Livewas shortlisted for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction. His other books include the novels1979andMoody Food.

• 40 works of Canadian nonfiction to watch for in spring 2020

Interviews with Ray Robertson

The Next Chapter43:33"I Was There the Night He Died" author Ray Robertson (Interview)

Talks to Shelagh about the novel in an onstage interview.

Hilary Weston Writers' Trust finalist: Ray Robertson

13 years ago

Duration 1:47

CBC's Paul Kennedy reads from Robertson's book Why Not? Fifteen Reasons to Live.