FAST CHAT: FAREWELLS TO THE FAMOUS

Somebody else always gets the last word. If family and friends are lucky, that somebody somehow captures the spirit of a life. In "Farewell, Godspeed: The Greatest Eulogies of Our Time," Cyrus Copeland has compiled dozens of successful tributes--the famous saluting the famous. He talked with NEWSWEEK's Mark Starr.

What attracted you to eulogies?

Ten years ago, I delivered my dad's eulogy. I thought it was a very cathartic and connective experience. Kind of like a bridge between the living and the dead.

Which is your favorite?

Several touched me. Neil Simon on Bob Fosse. Madonna on Versace. Adlai Stevenson's on Eleanor Roosevelt is a paramount example of how to eulogize. It's personal, poignant, conversational and it's got a great opening and a great close. It's also honest.

Is honesty something that you want?