The book opens in a coffee house where Death is sitting, reading newspapers & contemplating. He then sees an old composition book for children to practice their writing. He decides to write in it & he does - using the AAaa page (subjects that start with A) to think & talk about subjects, with, of course, death as the main thought. He weaves today, ancient history & interesting facts all through the alphabet. In 50 years it is one of the 5 books I have re-read several times. I plan to get some for my friends.