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

by Peter G. Filene

Book Overview

In this cultural history of the "right-to-die" in America, Mr. Filene navigates the maze of bioethical arguments surrounding the issue, analyzing complex questions with remarkable lucidity. "A unique and valuable contribution."-Daniel Callahan, The Hastings Center.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566632684
• ISBN13: 9781566632683
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: Globe Pequot Publishing Group Inc/Bloomsbury
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

A moving, engrossing treatment of a subject that affects all

A history of the right-to-die in America, Filene has achieved a remarkable balance of the specific and the general, the personal and the objective. His analysis of the interaction between the American focus on the individual and the basic human need to relate to others is fascinating. A book that deals with an experience which we all share and yet must all go through alone, I was brought to tears several times.

Helps readers with hard decisions about a dying loved one.

In The Arms of Others is an extremely moving story of people, including the Quinlan family, who have faced agonizing decisions about whether to continue to maintain life support for a comatose loved one. The book gives a clear picture of the laws and medical practices that families deal with...and will provide readers information to help them make up their own minds. The story is gripping as a novel. I found it profoundly stirring, even though I don't have such a life-and-death decision before me now.