On Death, Dying and Not Dying

Peter Houghton has for many years been a counselor in palliative care. He was Director of the Birmingham Settlement where he founded Britain's first money advice center and worked with adolescents in trouble; he is also the founder of The National Association of the Childless in the UK. He is now actively engaged in fundraising for the Artificial Heart Foundation and is in the process of founding the Extra life Society for people who rely on mechanical support to stay alive.

• Preface. 1. My Own Story. 2. The physical process of dying. 3. The last days and death itself. 4. How Dying People Feel about Death and Dying. 5. Thoughts about life, death and dying. 6. The patient and the clinical trial. 7. Wider implications and the future. Appendix 1: Patient Care - The physician's role, Adrian Banning. Appendix 2. The Operation, Stephen Westaby. Glossary of Medical Terms. Index.

Drawing upon his extensive professional experience as a counselor in palliative care, Houghton raises many profound questions in each of the areas he discusses, and is not afraid to admit his own previous misconceptions…this is a book that contributes significantly to our knowledge of the natural dying process.