A Good Death

How fast the river runs, between its green banks and the rushes, Floy! But it's very near the sea. I hear the waves! They always said so!

Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son (1848)
Explore death writing

Exploring the culture of dying well.

Is a “good death” something to be valued and aspired to? Is it achievable, manageable – or is it something best left undefined?

This interdisciplinary public impact project explores cultures of dying well, in the past and in the present.

By bringing historical and contemporary ideas about the good death into conversation with each other, we tackle head on the challenge of talking openly and positively about death, and aim to augment our 21st century understanding of what it means to die well.

Check out our Collaborations, Workshops and Events to see the work we do and how you can be involved.

Or if you would benefit from some time to read and reflect click you can browse our collection of inspiring literature in Words.

Find out more

Death and Life by Gustav Klimt

Death and Life by Gustav Klimt

What's happening?

Responding to End-of-Life “Care” with Poetry

April 4, 2023

Throughout April, the Good Death? project is exploring ideas about care, caring, caregiving and carefulness as depicted in a wide range of historical and contemporary poetry. We are excited to learn from medical and social care practitioners, carers, patients, their families, and wider publics. What does it mean to be a “care professional” or a […]

A Good Death Project at the Imaginarium

October 30, 2022

Part of the national Festival of Social Science, join the Good Death Project and friends from the university and city communities to imagine a brighter future for Cambridge. Cambridge Imaginarium is a space where town, gown, creatives, campaigners, and dreamers can share stories, memories, knowledge and hopes for the future. We will be inviting you to […]

Latest workshops

Take a look at our most recent literature workshops for volunteers, professionals and the general public.