Marzio Barbagli is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Bologna.

• IntroductionPart One: In the WestI. The Worst Sin and the Gravest CrimeII. The Key to Our PrisonIII. Killing God, Oneself and OthersIV. If Poverty Does Not ProtectPart Two: In the EastV. Before Becoming a WidowVI. Making the Strong and Powerful Tremble.VII. The Body as a BombConclusions

“An encyclopedic but immensely readable account of the social norms that surround, and individual motives that propel, such fateful choices… a deeply insightful book that will interest suicide-prevention counselors and others who are curious about this complex topic.”Foreword Reviews"Barbagli’s study is a brilliant synthesis of the history and sociology of suicide, covering both the West and the East, from ancient martyrs to contemporary suicide bombers. He eloquently and persuasively argues for the importance of cultural factors behind huge variations in the propensity to take one’s own life from one society to another."Jeffrey Watt, University of Mississippi"This work is the most important on the sociology of suicide in 100 years. Barbagli lays out the grand picture of changes and variations in time and space, and gives the basis for a theory that is simultaneously cultural, structural and dynamic."Randall Collins, University of Pennsylvania"This wide-ranging study provides fascinating insight into, and analysis of, the history and practice of suicide across a range of cultural and historical contexts. The book takes the reader on a methodical and thorough journey through the subject matter."Canadian Journal of History

Marzio Barbagli is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Bologna.

• IntroductionPart One: In the WestI. The Worst Sin and the Gravest CrimeII. The Key to Our PrisonIII. Killing God, Oneself and OthersIV. If Poverty Does Not ProtectPart Two: In the EastV. Before Becoming a WidowVI. Making the Strong and Powerful Tremble.VII. The Body as a BombConclusions

“An encyclopedic but immensely readable account of the social norms that surround, and individual motives that propel, such fateful choices… a deeply insightful book that will interest suicide-prevention counselors and others who are curious about this complex topic.”Foreword Reviews"Barbagli’s study is a brilliant synthesis of the history and sociology of suicide, covering both the West and the East, from ancient martyrs to contemporary suicide bombers. He eloquently and persuasively argues for the importance of cultural factors behind huge variations in the propensity to take one’s own life from one society to another."Jeffrey Watt, University of Mississippi"This work is the most important on the sociology of suicide in 100 years. Barbagli lays out the grand picture of changes and variations in time and space, and gives the basis for a theory that is simultaneously cultural, structural and dynamic."Randall Collins, University of Pennsylvania"This wide-ranging study provides fascinating insight into, and analysis of, the history and practice of suicide across a range of cultural and historical contexts. The book takes the reader on a methodical and thorough journey through the subject matter."Canadian Journal of History

Marzio Barbagli is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Bologna.

• IntroductionPart One: In the WestI. The Worst Sin and the Gravest CrimeII. The Key to Our PrisonIII. Killing God, Oneself and OthersIV. If Poverty Does Not ProtectPart Two: In the EastV. Before Becoming a WidowVI. Making the Strong and Powerful Tremble.VII. The Body as a BombConclusions

“An encyclopedic but immensely readable account of the social norms that surround, and individual motives that propel, such fateful choices… a deeply insightful book that will interest suicide-prevention counselors and others who are curious about this complex topic.”Foreword Reviews"Barbagli’s study is a brilliant synthesis of the history and sociology of suicide, covering both the West and the East, from ancient martyrs to contemporary suicide bombers. He eloquently and persuasively argues for the importance of cultural factors behind huge variations in the propensity to take one’s own life from one society to another."Jeffrey Watt, University of Mississippi"This work is the most important on the sociology of suicide in 100 years. Barbagli lays out the grand picture of changes and variations in time and space, and gives the basis for a theory that is simultaneously cultural, structural and dynamic."Randall Collins, University of Pennsylvania"This wide-ranging study provides fascinating insight into, and analysis of, the history and practice of suicide across a range of cultural and historical contexts. The book takes the reader on a methodical and thorough journey through the subject matter."Canadian Journal of History