The experience of dying

by E. Mansell Pattison

Experience of Dying (A Spectrum book) S-419 - by E. Mansell Pattison - 1977

Genres: Death

335 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Mehwish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collaborative effort of Dr. Pattison and other contributors from the fields of psychiatry, neurology and paediatrics.
It can easily fit into both the objective outlook on the experience of dying and subjective experience of dying. It is a complete book of processes of dying interwoven with case-studies in the framework of various responses/narratives of the dying, of the family and of the medical professionals involved.
Dr. Pattison emphasises on the idea that dying is an experience unique to the individual and forbids the medical professionals in following the death trajectories strictly. There is no right or wrong way to die. It is not necessary to accept or deny death when we are faced with the ultimate question. Our responses when faced with our deaths depend on our own histories of coping with stress/trauma, on the responses of our families and friends.

Final verdict: A beautiful, thought-provoking, extensive and evocative book.

[Jennie Dear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, which was first published in 1977, is a classic work on the psychology of dying. Pattison edited the book but also wrote a few chapters, and these were the most powerful and helpful.