In A MASS FOR THE DEAD, he tells the story of his childhood years, of his mother and father and his extended family, and of how he grew to manhood. It makes out of death something of use. It is a voyage of exploration into the family past, where one learns about oneself and one's family in new ways. This is written in remembrance of Gibson's deceased parents and in honor of their lives. In reflecting on them he in turn makes it a tribute to parenthood and a dedication to his own children. Gibson's language is striking in its poignancy. Despite the title, this is not a religious work, but a work of love from a child to parent and from the child-become-parent to his own children. Interspersed between the reminiscences of his parents and his childhood, Gibson inserts achingly beautiful epistles to his children for their guidance about life and parenting., ISBN13: 9781888173017 ISBN10: 1888173017 Material Type: hardcover