The Art of Dying [Paperback]

Peter Fenwick (Author), Elizabeth Fenwick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 2008

A new book to help the dying, their loved ones and their health care workers better understand the dying process and to come to terms with death itself.

The Art of Dying is a contemporary version of the medieval Ars Moriendi—a manual on how to achieve a good death. Peter Fenwick is an eminent neuropsychiatrist, academic and expert on disorders of the brain. His most compelling and provocative research has been into the end of life phenomena, including near-death experiences and deathbed visions of the dying person, as well as the experiences of hospice and palliative care workers and relatives of dying people. Dr. Fenwick believes that consciousness may be independent of the brain and so able to survive the death of the brain, a theory which has divided the scientific community. The "problem with death" is deeply rooted in our culture and the social organization of death rituals. Fenwick believes that with serious engagement and through further investigation of these phenomena, he can help change attitudes so that we in the West can face up to death, and embrace it as a significant and sacred part of life. We have become used to believing that we have to shield each other from the idea of death. Fear of death means we view it as something to be fought every step of the way.

Aimed at a broad popular readership, The Art of Dying looks at how other cultures have dealt with death and the dying process (The Tibetan "death system", Swedenborg, etc.) and compares this with phenomena reported through recent scientific research. It describes too the experiences of health care workers who are involved with end of life issues who feel that they need a better understanding of the dying process, and more training in how to help their patients die well by overcoming the common barriers to a good death, such as unfinished business and unresolved emotions of guilt or hate.

From descriptions of the phenomena encountered by the dying and those around them, to mapping out ways in which we can die a "good death", this book is an excellent basis for helping people come to terms with death.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Deathbed visions and coincidences are often classified as supernatural phenomena and the stuff of bad late-night television. But do such classifications do a disservice to the experiences of the dying and the bereaved? Through lengthy oral histories of eerie telepathic and paranormal phenomena, this book attempts to strip away the stigma from analyzing the inexplicable —yet commonly reported—odd incidences that accompany death—the "feeling of unease," the visit from the dying. The authors argue that these reported experiences must be studied, even if they deviate from conventional understanding of the "real" or "normal." What if our minds were wired in a way that has not yet been documented by science? What if hospice workers were more open to the experiences of the dying? Although the Fenwicks' exuberance frequently feels naïve, the scores of testimonies—as well as Peter Fenwick's renown as a neuropsychiatrist —do lend their queries credibility. Ultimately, the authors demonstrate that it may be immaterial if these stories are scientifically plausible since merely documenting these incidences can heighten our understanding of the mind during death and enhance our ability to comfort the dying and their families." - Publishers Weekly, May 2008

Title in article about the book and authors in Daily Telegraph, 2008.

Reviewed in Clinical Medicine Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of L, 1 April 2009

(Alex Paxton )

"The authors not only manage to show that it isn't always all bad, but raise profound questions about the nature of consciousness." - Journal of Consciousness Studies, December 2008.

"Elizabeth and Peter Fenwick have written an Ars Moriendi for our age...illuminating and very moving...The book is highly recommended, as death is something we all need to come to terms with in order to live a full life."

De Numine, Autumn 2009

(Marianne Rankin )

"...interesting because a contemporary issue is taken and dealt with sensitively...The book's purposes are extensive, including academic, personal interest or within a hospice setting where death is ever-present. It refers to other books throughout which makes it all the more effective for which-ever of the above it's utilized. Moreover, despite the fact that the topics within the book are personal, they are weighed up with both empathy and impartiality, identifying with believers and non-believers alike."

De Numine, Autumn 2009

(Charlotte Deakin )

"Deathbed visions and coincidences are often classified as supernatural phenomena and the stuff of bad late-night television. But do such classifications do a disservice to the experiences of the dying and the bereaved? Through lengthy oral histories of eerie telepathic and paranormal phenomena, this book attempts to strip away the stigma from analyzing the inexplicable —yet commonly reported—odd incidences that accompany death—the “feeling of unease,” the visit from the dying. The authors argue that these reported experiences must be studied, even if they deviate from conventional understanding of the “real” or “normal.” What if our minds were wired in a way that has not yet been documented by science? What if hospice workers were more open to the experiences of the dying? Although the Fenwicks’ exuberance frequently feels naïve, the scores of testimonies—as well as Peter Fenwick’s renown as a neuropsychiatrist —do lend their queries credibility. Ultimately, the authors demonstrate that it may be immaterial if these stories are scientifically plausible since merely documenting these incidences can heighten our understanding of the mind during death and enhance our ability to comfort the dying and their families.” - Publishers Weekly, May 2008

Reviewed in Clinical Medicine Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of L, 1 April 2009

(, )

"Elizabeth and Peter Fenwick have written an Ars Moriendi for our age…illuminating and very moving…The book is highly recommended, as death is something we all need to come to terms with in order to live a full life."

De Numine, Autumn 2009

(, )

"…interesting because a contemporary issue is taken and dealt with sensitively…The book’s purposes are extensive, including academic, personal interest or within a hospice setting where death is ever-present. It refers to other books throughout which makes it all the more effective for which-ever of the above it’s utilized. Moreover, despite the fact that the topics within the book are personal, they are weighed up with both empathy and impartiality, identifying with believers and non-believers alike."

De Numine, Autumn 2009

(, )

About the Author

Dr Peter Fenwick is an internationally renowned neuropsychiatrist and a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is Britain's leading clinical authority on near-death experiences and is president of the British branch of The International Association for Near-Death Studies. He also holds appointments at the Maudsley Hospital, the John Radcliffe Hospital, and the Broadmoor Special Hospital for Violent Offenders.

Elizabeth Fenwick has written a number of books on health and family issues. She has produced books on pregnancy and child care, worked as an agony aunt advising on sexual problems on radio and in Company magazine and has been involved in sex education in two London schools. She also worked for three years as a counsellor for Childline.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (September 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826499236
• ISBN-13: 978-0826499233
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #623,340 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bringing Death to Light, September 22, 2008

By 

John Zxerce "[e-mail]" (Colorado ^^^) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Dying (Paperback)

Dylan Thomas's feelings surrounding his father's death were "Rage, rage against the dying of the light". Death was something to be fought. It's an enemy, not a friend to be welcomed. While the Fenwicks might not swing to the opposite side, they do suggest our culture is obsessed with prolonging life. As a result, we have lost the ability to help people to die a good death. "Hi-tech around the deathbed is sometimes more concerned with the feelgood factor of the relatives and the medical profession, who need to feel they have done everything they can, than with the peace and comfort of the dying,"

The authors claim 67 per cent of people die in a hospital among staff untrained and unequipped to answer their emotional, social and spiritual needs. They write, "We realize the value of a 'birth companion' during childbirth. Perhaps we should now consider that the 'death companion' may have an equally important part to play."

However, they seem nebulous regarding what this means. They suggest a companion is someone who is there, not who necessarily does anything specific. While I agree that "Holding their hands and talking to them may give more comfort than we realize.", at the same time, are there specific things that should be considered in light of death? That is, are there claims about death that each person should evaluate?

It's been said death is an interesting statistic - it's one out of one. The truth is, death has a sobering quality. A brush with it can shake a person to their core. This is what I wish the authors had spent more time on - that is, the clarifying affect of death. When facing death, what becomes most important? If there is an after-life, what seems most reasonable to conclude about it? Is it possible to be wrong about one's view of death? If so, how do we not only comfort and reassure, but do so truthfully? Perhaps those are questions better suited for a hospital chaplain. If so, it would have been helpful to have a few pages on how to select one, or even how to select a spiritual guide well before death.

The strongest part of the book is the practical suggestions for those dying

1 Forgive others and seek their forgiveness; heal broken relationships, however late in the day
2 Search out old friends with whom you have lost touch
3 Value life without clinging to it, and live each day as if it were your last
4 Die where you would most like to - whether at home or in a hospice; alone or surrounded by family
5 Trust your instincts; patients know when their end is near

For relatives and friends

1 Talk to the dying about death if they wish; don't go to great lengths to avoid the issue
2 Make an effort to let go, giving the dying permission to leave in peace
3 Holding hands and talking can give more comfort than you think
4 Don't be so careful not to say the wrong thing that you leave the right thing unsaid
5 Don't shield children: prepare them for a death, and allow them to say a final goodbye

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gives Hope, March 25, 2009

By 

Michael E. Tymn (Kailua, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Dying (Paperback)

Subtitled "A Journey to Elsewhere," this book is primarily about deathbed visions and visitations. The authors interviewed dozens of caregivers and gathered numerous interesting stories relating to the dying process. "There are plenty of papers about palliative care and pain control, but very few about the mental states during the dying process, or about the visions reported at this time by dying people," they explain their purpose of their investigation and for writing the book.

Dr. Peter Fenwick is an internationally renowned British neuro-psychiatrist and a leading authority on the near-death experience, while Elizabeth Fenwick has authored a number of health-related books. "All the experiences we have been told of point to death being part of a structured and supportive process," they write in the concluding chapter. "They also suggest that a greater understanding of what happens when we die would lead to a removal of our fear of death and open up the possibility of a new beginning, the start of a new journey..."

The Fenwicks' book is by no means the first on the subject of deathbed visions. Sir William Barrett's 1926 book "Death-Bed Visions" has become a classic in the field, while "At the Hour of Death" by K. Osis and E. Haraldsson, first published in 1977, added significantly to Barrett's book. More recently, Dr. Carla Wills-Brandon has added "One Last Hug Before I Go" to the short list of references on the subject. But, as with so many other areas not subject to strict scientific measurement and validation, much of old material has been forgotten, ignored, or resisted and there is a need to periodically resurrect the subject and explore more current cases.

Often, at the moment of death, the Fenwicks found, the dying patient is observed looking at a particular corner of room and commenting that a deceased love one is there. The dying person may stretch out his or her hand as if greeting the person and may even talk to deceased person. "Suddenly my Gran sat up in bed and smiled," one interviewee told the Fenwicks. "She said, `I'm going now and here's Dad and George come to meet me.' She then died still with this big smile on her face. My mother never forgot it."

In exploring deathbed visions and visitations, the Fenwicks examine coincidences, mental states, hallucinations, near-death experiences, and consciousness. In the end, they conclude that the evidence points to humans being "more than brain function, more than just a speck in creation, and that something, whether we regard it as soul or consciousness, will continue in some form or another, making its journey to `Elsewhere'."

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a keeper!, February 20, 2009

By 

A. Riechert "HoloArt" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Dying (Paperback)

I have read a lot of life after death books in my life and this book is one of the best. The books that don't impress me much I trade in at a local used book store, but the ones that I really like I keep. This book is definitely a keeper! I'm a huge fan of death bed visions and this book is chock full of a plethora of death bed visions. It makes for a fascinating read and if you are looking for a book to build you up and fill you with hope in life after death then I highly recommend this book.