Green-Wood cemetery is many things: the eternal resting place for over 570,000 people, an arboretum, a Revolutionary War battle site, a bird sanctuary, an art and performance venue, a community space, and, I would argue, a library. One popular gravestone motif over the course of Green-Wood’s 183 year history is the form of a book, usually symbolizing the bible or the Book of Life. Whether or not the religious background is of interest to contemporary visitors, many of these grave markers are endearing sculptural works and landmarks for bibliophiles amidst the cemetery’s angels, obelisks, and nondescript headstones. Check out a book or two, ranked here based on style, content, and my completely subjective opinions.
10) Arthur Tappan Pierson (March 6, 1837-June 3, 1911)
Pierson was a pastor who played a role in the expansion of United States evangelicalism from domestic missions focused on native populations to foreign missions around the world. The globe behind the book emphasizes the importance of his international projects. The marker ranks last for its imperial overtones. (See above for image)
9) David Abeel (June 12, 1804-September 4, 1846)
This monument gets some points for creativity, combining motifs with a book on an obelisk. However, Abeel was a missionary, so this monument also carries both religious and imperial meanings similar to that of Pierson.
8) Titus Bonner (d. May 27, 1920) and Catherine J. Bonner (d. March 31, 1920)
This double monument’s ornamental lily, symbolizing rebirth or renewal, adds to the aesthetics of the open book. However, the prominence of the roles “father” and “mother” reinforce heteronormative family structures and detract from memorializing the couple as complete individuals.
7-6) David G. Jarden (1872-1945) and Elizabeth Jarden (1880-1949); Florence Jarden Riley (1902-1966)
These simple grave markers are inoffensive, but the gutter splits the surname “Jarden” in both examples, a book design flaw even if these aren’t real pages. The whimsical foliage growing in Florence Jarden Riley’s headstone gives her the ranking of 6 over David and Elizabeth.
5) Illegible.
Though only a few letters remain legible, the minimalism of this book grave effectively pays homage to the deceased and is pleasing to the living.
4) Elizabeth Wilson (1816-1884) and John A. Wilson (1817-1885)
A simple but elegant monument, with a nice lectern style. The decorative page breaks beneath the inscriptions and differing textures are a nice touch.
3) Emily La Femina (1911-1966), Marie Grace La Femina (1941-1975), and Alfonso La Femina (1907-1988)
This twentieth-century rendering of a standing, closed book departs from the traditional Book of Life motif with names inscribed on open pages. The headstone toes the line between whimsy and solemnity, incorporating lilies, the head of Christ, and a prayer to St. Jude on the cover of the pink stone tome.
2) Illegible
This gravestone looks the most like it could be picked up and read, which is ironic since its inscription is illegible. Visit the cemetery with your own book to read on the meadow, and you might confuse the two. This marker is understated but memorable, standing the test of time even if the inscribed details didn’t.
1) Ann Alnwick (d. February 15, 1868) and Mary Jane Alnwick (d. April 11, 1880)
The relationship between the women interred here is unclear; at eleven or twelve years apart in age they could be sisters. The “Mrs.” honorific is surprising here as married women were traditionally buried with their husbands. The sculpted book, installed at an angle atop the stone to appear haphazardly left open, adds to the enigmatic reading.
Diana Flatto is a curator and PhD student in the History of Art and Architecture department at the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn't writing about cemeteries, her research centers on anti fascist artist networks in Latin America during the twentieth century. You can find her on instagram @DFlatts and on Twitter @DianaFlatto.