In the Arms of Others: A Cultural History of the Right-To-Die in America

(Paperback)

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Description

This study tackles the predicament of modern dying and how it has changed in America from the 19th century to the present. The author focuses on specific landmark events, explains bioethical arguments, and explores the lives and feelings of real people.'

Reviews

A fine general overview of the right-to-die question. * Library Journal *
Peter Filene's analysis should be read by anyone who wishes a deeper understanding of what is at stake in our current cultural debate about medicines proper role at the end of life. -- Timothy E. Quill
Thoughtful, comprehensively researched...despite the difficult subject, this compelling book is a page turner. * Publishers Weekly *
Vibrant and piercingly detailed. -- Henry R. Glick * Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences *
A terrifically well-written narrative...Filene has a gift for bringing legal and ethical arguments vividly to life. -- David Barnard, Ph.D., New England Journal of Medicine
A unique and valuable contribution. -- Daniel Callahan, cofounder and President Emeritus, The Hastings Center
A most valuable contribution to the literature of death and dying. * CHOICE *
Clarifying and helpful...follows the escalating concern about death and dying in American society since the 1960s, and the unfolding concept of the 'right to die.' -- Rene C. Fox, Annenberg Professor of the Social Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, and author of distinguished books in the sociology of me
Engaging narrative...difficult to put down and has given me new insights into our peculiarly American way. -- Linda Ganzini, MD, JAMA

Author Bio

Peter Filene is professor of history at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His other books include Home and Away (a novel) and Him/Her/Self, a celebrated history of gender identities.