Big Brother and the Grim Reaper: Political Life After Death by Benjamin Ginsberg is a thought-provoking and unconventional exploration of the intersection between death, politics, and power. Ginsberg tackles the intriguing concept of how political figures—particularly those who have passed away—continue to shape political discourse and decision-making long after their deaths. Drawing on a mix of historical examples, political theory, and contemporary analysis, Ginsberg delves into the ways in which the legacies, images, and even ideologies of deceased leaders remain influential in modern political life.

The book raises compelling questions about memory, legacy, and the manipulation of past figures by both political elites and the public. It examines how the dead—whether through memorials, political rhetoric, or ideological references—remain active participants in the political sphere, with their ideas often co-opted for contemporary agendas. Ginsberg argues that this phenomenon speaks to the enduring power of political figures, even when their physical presence is no longer felt.

Big Brother and the Grim Reaper also touches on the ways in which political death can act as a catalyst for change, shaping movements and ideologies that continue to resonate long after the individual is gone. Ginsberg’s work is an exploration of the political afterlife, where the dead continue to exert influence, either as symbols or as active tools in the hands of those who wish to perpetuate their legacies.

This book is a unique and intellectually stimulating read for anyone interested in the interplay between memory, politics, and power. Ginsberg offers readers a fresh perspective on the continuing impact of political figures long after their deaths, making it a must-read for those curious about how history shapes our present-day politics.

Comprehensive. Dense. Short. Slightly Lacking Bibliography. This is an utterly fascinating look at the history and current issues involving political (and thus legal) life after death, in all kinds of different ways. Some ways you have probably heard of (Wills, Advanced Directives, etc). Other ways may be new to you, including the idea of posthumous reproduction. Everything is covered in a sort of "primer" manner - we get a broad overview, a few specific examples, a decent discussion of the overall subfield... and then we're moving... and we're moving. Which is to be somewhat expected given the overall brevity of the book and just how many different posthumous topics Ginsberg manages to discuss at all.

Indeed, the only weakness here is simply that at 13% bibliography, I simply expect at least a *touch* more - even, perhaps, as low as 15% (on an already expanded window that was once 20-30%).

Beyond this particular quibble, read this book - you're going to learn a lot and have a lot to think about. I know I did and do.

Very much recommended.