Condolence book

After the death of a leading figure or great disaster, condolence books are placed in public places for members of the general public to use.

Reviewing a condolence book may help grieving relatives come to terms with the reality of their loss.

[1] After especially notable deaths, official records of the condolences may be compiled and reprinted.

For example, after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the Government Printing Office published a leather-bound, gilt-edged collection of official condolences in 1867.

[2] Digital condolence books are now placed on the Internet so people may write their thoughts online.