Fragments on the Deathwatch

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Through literature, philosophy, history and autobiography, Louise Harmon probes the taboos around discussions of death. The text represents a human and lyrical study of the vigil over the dying. It seeks to draw readers close to the mystery of death and considers the role of law in recognizing the needs of family and loved ones, and protecting the space of their grieving.

Reviews

Louise Harmon drew this reader closer to the mystery of death than he thought he wanted to go. But once there, with Harmon, he was grateful. --James Carroll, author of An American Requiem

"If anyone you love is close to death you owe it to them and to yourself to read this book." --Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, author of When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals

"[Harmon is] correct to affirm that anyone's death belongs to both the dying and to those who survive to grieve and that the law must address the rights of each." -Thomas Lynch, The New York Times Book Review

"What an elegant, passionate, moving meditation! Harmon is part philosopher, part poet, a combination that is sure to make this unique book an enduring classic." --Patricia Williams, author of The Rooster's Egg

Author Bio

Louise Harmon is professor of law at Touro College, Huntington, New York, and coauthor with Deborah Ward Post of Cultivating Intelligence- Power, Law, and the Politics of Teaching. She lives in Huntington, New York.