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Life After Life: The Investigation of a Phenomenon--Survival of Bodily Death Paperback – March 6, 2001
There is a newer edition of this item:
The groundbreaking, bestselling classic, now available in a special fortieth-anniversary edition that includes a new Foreword from Eben Alexander, M.D., author of Proof of Heaven, and a new Afterword by the author.
Raymond Moody is the “father” of the modern NDE (Near Death Experience) movement, and his pioneering work Life After Life transformed the world, revolutionizing the way we think about death and what lies beyond. Originally published in 1975, it is the groundbreaking study of one hundred people who experienced “clinical death” and were revived, and who tell, in their own words, what lies beyond death.
A smash bestseller that has sold more than thirteen million copies around the globe, Life After Life introduced us to concepts—including the bright light, the tunnel, the presence of loved ones waiting on the other side—that have become cultural memes today, and paved the way for modern bestsellers by Eben Alexander, Todd Burpo, Mary Neal, and Betty Eadie that have shaped countless readers notions about the end life and the meaning of death.
- Print length208 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHarperOne
- Publication dateMarch 6, 2001
- Dimensions5.31 x 0.47 x 8 inches
- ISBN-109780062517395
- ISBN-13978-0062517395
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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As they witness the display, the being seems to stress the importance of two things in life: Learning to love other people and acquiring knowledge.Highlighted by 662 Kindle readers
Near-death experiences teach us that the spirit survives physical death.Highlighted by 545 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews
Review
From the Back Cover
In Life After Life Raymond Moody investigates more than one hundred case studies of people who experienced "clinical death" and were subsequently revived. First published in 1975, this classic exploration of life after death started a revolution in popular attitudes about the afterlife and established Dr. Moody as the world's leading authority in the field of near-death experiences. Life after Life forever changed the way we understand both death—and life—selling millions of copies to a world hungry for a greater understanding of this mysterious phenomenon.
The extraordinary stories presented here provide evidence that there is life after physical death, as Moody recounts the testimonies of those who have been to the "other side" and back—all bearing striking similarities of an overwelming positive nature. These moving and inspiring accounts give us a glimpse of the peace and unconditional love that await us all.
About the Author
Raymond A. Moody Jr., Ph.D., M.D., is a world-renowned scholar, lecturer, and researcher, and he is widely recognized as the leading authority on near-death experiences. He is the bestselling author of many books, including Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife.
Product details
- ASIN : 0062517392
- Publisher : HarperOne; Reprint edition (March 6, 2001)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 208 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780062517395
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062517395
- Item Weight : 6.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.47 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #985,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #385 in Near-Death Experiences (Books)
- #1,148 in Reincarnation (Books)
- #22,052 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Raymond Moody
Raymond Moody, M.D., Ph.D. is the bestselling author of eleven books which have sold over 20 million copies. His seminal work, Life After Life, has completely changed the way we view death and dying and has sold over 13 million copies worldwide. His latest book is GLIMPSES OF ETERNITY: Sharing a Loved One's Passage from this Life to the Next.
Dr. Moody is the leading authority on the "near-death experience"--a phrase he coined in the late seventies. He is best known for his ground-breaking work on the near-death experience and what happens when we die. The New York Times calls Dr. Moody "the father of the near-death experience."
Dr. Moody has enlightened and entertained audiences all over the world for over three decades. He lectures on such topics as: Near Death Experiences, Death With Dignity, Life After Loss, Surviving Grief & Finding Hope, Reunions: Visionary Encounters With Departed Loved Ones, The Healing Power of Humor, The Loss of Children, The Logic of Nonsense, and Catastrophic Tragedies & Events causing collective grief response.
In addition to his writing and lecturing, he is in the private practice of philosophical counseling and consulting on dying. Dr. Moody also trains hospice workers, clergy, psychologists, nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals on matters of grief recovery and dying. He helps people to identify systems of support and to cope with their anxiety, grief, and loss through better understanding of mourning and bereavement.
Dr. Moody received his medical degree from the College of Georgia and his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Virginia where he also received his M.A. and B.A.
He is the recipient of many awards including the World Humanitarian Award and a bronze medal in the Human Relations category at the New York Film Festival for the movie version of Life After Life.
Dr. Moody is a frequent media guest and has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show three times, as well as on hundreds of other local and nationally syndicated programs such as MSNBC: Grief Recovery, Today, ABC's Turning Point, and hundreds more.
Paul Perry
Paul Perry is the co-author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Saved by the Light (which was made into a popular movie) and Evidence of the Afterlife. He has co-authored five books with Dr. Raymond Moody, including a memoir Paranormal, due to be published in February 2012. His books have been published in more than 30 languages around the world.
Paul is also a documentary filmmaker whose work has appeared on worldwide television. His best known film, Jesus, the Lost Years was first the subject of a book he wrote for Random House, which follows the trail believed to be used by the Holy Family as they fled into Egypt to escape the murderous soldiers of King Herod. He has produced and directed several other films, including one on 18th Century piracy in Madagascar that aired on History Channel in 2011.
His most recent work, Afterlife, explores mankind's most nagging question, What happens when we die? This and other questions about the Afterlife are scientifically explored through modern research into near-death experiences. Through interviews with noted researchers Raymond Moody, MD, PhD, and Jeffrey Long, MD, this documentary explores the evidence of the afterlife using insightful interviews with researchers, emotional case studies, and crisply done re-creations.
"NDEs are spiritual events of staggering magnitude and complexity that have the power to change our attitudes toward death and life" says director Paul Perry. "There are reasons people are transformed when they return from a brush with death, one of which is the confidence they gain in knowing that a fresh new world awaits our last heartbeat. Another, especially for the physically ill, is the discovery that we leave our body behind and continue on as spirits free of earthy pain."
Paul is a graduate of Arizona State University, Antioch University in Los Angeles, and a former fellow at the prestigious Gannett Center for Media Studies at Columbia University in New York City. He taught magazine writing at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, and was Executive Editor at American Health magazine, a winner of the National Magazine Awards for General Excellence. Since becoming a full-time writer, Paul has written or co-written more than 20 books on a variety of topics, including biography, health, medical science, and history.
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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book thought-provoking and easy to read. They consider it a valuable purchase with historical value. The book provides comfort and peace of mind, giving readers hope for the future. However, some customers feel the stories become repetitive, while others find them engaging.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book thought-provoking and fascinating. It introduces the phenomenon of near-death experiences, providing an excellent introduction to the research and first study of these events. The book explains the beginning of research and provides eloquent reporting of the facts. Readers appreciate the examples used to support the points. Overall, it encourages continued research and open-mindedness toward the great unknown.
"...I felt connected to God, a super loving feeling. Years later when this book came out 1975, I found that it wasn’t just me. What a relief...." Read more
"This book is a nice compilation of his research...." Read more
"...I think this book can bring tremendous relief to someone suffering the loss or potential loss of someone simply by presenting a lot of evidence that..." Read more
"...in the late 1970s, I believe this book is still the best introduction to the phenomenon known as the "Near Death Experience" (NDE)...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and follow. They appreciate the clear explanations, well-written text, and logical approach. The book is described as well-organized and detailed.
"...I appreciate that it’s not super technical. I have to say, I’m very intrigued so far." Read more
"...It is very straightforward and even-handed in it's reporting--without religious overtones from the author, although he does draw correlations..." Read more
"...This book is also written in an extremely casual style, rather on the level of news paper articles." Read more
"Good book? easy read, give a different perspective and offers interesting ideas." Read more
Customers find the book a good value. They say it's worth the time and money, an important investment, and a classic in NDE literature.
"...on NDEs I feel I can go ahead and say this book has payed for itself many times over, and I am only a bit passed 30 pages in...." Read more
"The book was used, therefore, it was in good condition. Over 40 years old! The condition was very accurate as to the seller's discription...." Read more
"...It is really one of the pionneering books of the past century...." Read more
"...FROM AMAZON BECAUSE I BUY MOST ALL MY BOOKS HERE, AND THE PRICE AND DELIVERY WERE GOOD...." Read more
Customers find the book comforting and helpful for coping with loss. They feel connected to God and have peace of mind. The book helps them deal with their grief better.
"...I felt connected to God, a super loving feeling. Years later when this book came out 1975, I found that it wasn’t just me. What a relief...." Read more
"...It makes living feel less daunting, and life feel more inviting, all while discussing the afterlife. A masterpiece." Read more
"...may happen after death, and I feel this book gave me some clarity and comfort; maybe even some answers." Read more
"...A brilliant and essential read for the bereaved, or anyone facing their own imminent death or the loss of a loved one...." Read more
Customers find the book illuminating and eye-opening. They say it sheds light on people's near-death experiences and their spiritual journeys. The book is described as encouraging, beautiful, and persuasive.
"...The out of body, bright light, the review, the noise, the dark tunnel, meeting others, the being of light and its affect on them...." Read more
"...many similarities that point to unconditional love and light in another dimension of spirit, which survives the death of body. Very interesting read." Read more
"This is an excellent and very important investment and sheds some light about life, death and the potential for life beyond on a consciousness level...." Read more
"This was such an awesome, encouraging and eye-opening book! I recommend it for anyone who has lost a loved one. A great read...." Read more
Customers have varying views on the book's interest. Some find it engaging and easy to read, getting right to the point. Others feel the stories are repetitive and boring, with short and unreal narratives. The book oversimplifies ideas and doesn't keep their attention for long.
"...This book is filled with a great many cases, but it also reiterates the hell out of any idea...." Read more
"...This book will capture your attention and encourage the belief that there is indeed... Life After Life!" Read more
"...I guess to protect the patients and their families, the narratives feel short and unreal...." Read more
"...It's been around a while now, but it stil gets right to the point, and does a great job of relating the experiences of those who have "died"..." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2024When I was 9 years old I had this experience. Opening my hand there was a bright yellow bee that had just stung me, it was stuck to my palm. Shortly after I was looking at myself in the bathroom mirror. My face was swollen and I didn’t feel well. My mother called a doctor and then she gave me a baking soda bath. This did nothing. Soon I was in bed and continued to swell up. My mother said my fingers were gone from the swelling. Then slowly I started to lift off of the bed. Trying to reach for my mother I called out “catch me I’m floating” she just stood there terrified. Then I was in a dark tunnel being pulled very quickly upward. It was not scary but I felt sad for my mother. There was a presence with me. I told it I think my mother needs me. Just like that in that second I remember settling back into my body. It was uncomfortably thick. I quickly recovered and found that something inside of me had changed. I felt connected to God, a super loving feeling. Years later when this book came out 1975, I found that it wasn’t just me. What a relief. PLEASE read this before you get your own experience.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024This book is a nice compilation of his research. I’m over halfway through and find that the layout and presentation style of the material allows me to easily digest the information. I appreciate that it’s not super technical. I have to say, I’m very intrigued so far.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024If you are interested in what comes next I would recommend this book which is based on actual people’s experiences
- Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024I remember first reading this in the 70’s. It was considered so “out there”. Really considered crazy belief and ridiculed by many. It just touched me at a young age because I BELIEVED the author at the time and it transformed my ideas and fear of death. Over the years, due to the internet and easy access to so many people who have studied this phenomenon, I noticed the stigma slowly receding. Sure, there are people who do not believe there is life after death. After reading and watching these accounts for so many decades, I am fully convinced. I decided to return to this original book and author who risked his entire reputation so long ago and give it a re-read. My own elderly parents both have cancer right now and I am caring for them. I think this book can bring tremendous relief to someone suffering the loss or potential loss of someone simply by presenting a lot of evidence that death is not necessarily the horror we believe it to be. There are simply too many people coming forward even today with these experiences that cannot yet be explained by science. And Raymond Moody is a man of science who has tried to understand the people who experienced this phenomenon for many decades. His approach, relentless research and commitment to science make this book required reading for anyone interested in NDE’s (Near Death Experiences) They are called “near death” but in many cases the people who experienced them were declared dead by medical doctors before suddenly being aware they were “returned” to their bodies. Fascinating.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024I got this book in the mid 90’s when I was going through a very difficult time because I was my mom’s caregiver when she was terminally ill . This book helped me so very much that I bought it recently for my sister in law who has been having a hard time with the loss of her husband and she also said it really helped her a lot . Don’t hesitate to buy this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2015First published in the late 1970s, I believe this book is still the best introduction to the phenomenon known as the "Near Death Experience" (NDE). Whether you're a believer, skeptic, agnostic, atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Jew, Wicca--makes no difference, since the experience has been documented to happen to anyone regardless of their cultural influences or upbringing. If you have heard the phrase "near death experience" but have only a vague notion of what this entails, I urge you to pick up this book and read it--if you keep an open mind, it could change your life :)
Simply put, the NDE may give us a preview of what happens to humans when we die. I first read this book around 1985 and found it both fascinating and enlightening. It is very straightforward and even-handed in it's reporting--without religious overtones from the author, although he does draw correlations between NDE's and their possible appearance in texts such as the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the Bible & Greek philosophy. At the time of publication, Dr. Moody had only investigated about 150 cases total--since then, as the technology to resuscitate patients has improved, thousands more have experienced the NDE. The book also created an open dialogue about NDE's and many more who had kept the experience secret (for fear of being ridiculed) have come forward with their story.
If this book whet's your appetite for more on the subject (and much has been written about NDE's since) let me recommend a few more titles for continued reading:
The Light Beyond by Raymond Moody -- in my opinion, the best of his follow-up books on the subject.
On Life After Death by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D. -- One of the pioneers of NDE research & best known for defining "The 5 Stages of Grief & Dying." She & Moody were both studying NDE's at the same time without being aware of each other's research.
The Tunnel and The Light by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D. - Another collection of her writings & lectures on the subject of NDE's.
Although there are many more books on the subject (some by researchers, others by those who experienced an NDE firsthand) I always recommend these first as they are well-researched and, in my opinion, present the subject with the least amount of bias.
Top reviews from other countries
All CanadianReviewed in Canada on April 22, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting and Well Written But Too Many Complicated Words.
It's a very interesting book if you're into the NDE thing. I loved reading about all the folks who shared their NDE experiences; however I found that way too many words were inappropriately, (or not necessary) used for readers who never use them.
In other words, I found myself having to do a Google search to find the meanings of too many words where other appropriate, (or more simple understanding words) could have been used. I'm an educated person and also a writer/author so having said that, when I write, I like to use more common easy-to-define words for my readers. Every author should consider this. As for Raymond Moody; thank you for taking the time to share all your hard work, I appreciate you.
PlaceholderReviewed in India on July 23, 20235.0 out of 5 stars one Amazing Book
This book is equally amazing to people who are spiritually inclined and also to who are not, for this book gives a brief glimpse of what lies beyond death, which is very well in line with our ancient scriptures. More importantly this book compels you to think whether you are living this life in a meaningful way. It is an excellent book
john jagerReviewed in Spain on March 6, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Life after life
This is a classic stories about near death experiences in reality.
14 million copies sold .
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In_full_bloom 🌷🌼🌺💐🌸🌹Reviewed in France on July 1, 20215.0 out of 5 stars Un "classique" sur les EMI
Un "classique" sur les EMI et la vie après la mort. Ecrit en 1975, il est une référence pour qui s'intéresse à ce sujet. S'en sont suivies des tas d'études, tant l'EMI est fascinante et mystérieuse. Ces témoignages troublants fidèlement rapportés par Ramond Moody doivent être abordés avec un esprit ouvert et bienveillant. Si vous avez d'ors et déjà décidé de ne pas y croire, cela ne sert à rien de l'acheter. C'est une belle lecture pleine d'espoir qui nous invite à relativiser notre quotidien parfois angoissant. D'un anglais très facile.
Marcos LuzReviewed in Brazil on July 29, 20195.0 out of 5 stars Creed or Fact
Yes, that’s it. The book has stories from the perspective of some guys who alleged have a near-death experience. Could you say that those are real? Bulletproof? Science? No, this book is not about it. This book is about the narrative as the beginning of something that defies the ordinary science logic: faith.
