Obituaries

Life affirming rather than gloomy, obituaries have been a staple of The Times since the mid 19th century, a “first draft of history” record of the great, the good and sometimes the bad. In an age of quickfire news, our readers continue to enjoy their satisfying beginning-middle-and-end narrative arcs, which is why many still turn to them first. Far from being solemn or obsequious, our obits are peppered with colourful anecdotes and illuminating personal details. Sometimes irreverent, often insightful, they always aim to weave a spell and tell a story.