Cicely Saunders - Founder of the Hospice Movement: Selected letters 1959-1999

Cicely Saunders is universally acclaimed as a pioneer of modern hospice care. Trained initially in nursing and social work, she qualified in medicine in 1958 and subsequently dedicated the whole of her professional life to improving the care of the dying and bereaved people. Founding St Christopher's Hospice in London in 1967, she encouraged a radical new approach to end of life care combining attention to physical, social, emotional and spiritual problems, brilliantly captured in her concept of 'total pain'. Her ideas about clinical care, education and research have been hugely influential, leading to numerous prizes and awards in recognition of her humanitarian achievements. In this book the sociologist and historian David Clark presents a selection of her vast correspondence, together with his own commentary. The letters of Cicely Saunders tell a remarkable story of vision, determination and creativity. They should be read by anyone interested in how we die in the modern world.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Introduction 1: Realising a vision (1959-1967) 2: The expansive years (1968-1985) 3: An exacting joy (1986-1999)

About the Author :
David Clark is the author and editor of many books and papers and has written widely on sociological aspects of religion, family life and end of life care. His more recent interests include the history of hospice, palliative care and pain medicine; policy issues in the international development of palliative care; and related ethical questions. He is currently writing a major work on the global history of hospice and palliative care.

Review :
From review of the hardback edition: `Tthere is much here to savour and it is hard to imagine that many hospice, hospital or social science libraries will long remain without this work.' Hospice Information Bulletin `A fascinating book... For those interested in the development of the hospice movement in the UK and across the world, this represents an invaluable source book of original data... it represents excellent value, and a volume that should be on the shelf of every palliative care team.' European Journal of Cancer Care `The ideas, frustrations, moves and motives, the connections and contacts that helped to shape the 'hospice story' are now accessible as they were originally expressed, rather than through secondary sources. Nevertheless, this book is more than an historical repository and neither does it paint Dame Cicely as simply another 'Great Briton' - although her achievements speak for themselves... there is much here to savour and it is hard to imagine that many hospice, hospital or social science libraries will long remain without this work.' Hospice Information Bulletin `It is enlightening to follow the development of the embryonic, global network of practitioners as they connect and develop into the present day leading force. My lasting impression on reading this book is of Cicely Saunders' commitment and formidable strength of character, and it will be of interest to anyone connected with the palliative care movement.' European Journal of Palliative Care `For someone who has know Cicely Saunders for 40 years and who worked there for more than five years in the early 1970s, the letters make exciting reading, particularly as one is reminded of people from a partly shared past... it is a 'must' for every palliative care library in the United Kingdom, and possibly elsewhere, if today's practitioners are not to remain in ignorance about the origins of Hospice UK and of the impact its founder, Cicely Saunders, has had on the world.' Progress in Palliative Care `As wonderful as all the history is, the real jewel in these pages is Dame Cicely herself. Through her letters, we hear a truly remarkable person... This is a most enjoyable and interesting book... Highly recommended.' Palliative Care News `The letters in this book provided a rich background to the hospice philosophy and movement. They put palliative care into context, both from an historical and a global perspective.' Journal of Advanced Nursing `This book in a way is a window into Dame Cicely's drive, and creation. The letters are all hers; there is no reference to the replies she must have received. They stand as a moving testament to her achievement.' Croydon Advertiser `This volume provides a truly privileged view of the life and work of Dame Cicely Saunders, as seen through a selection of her correspondence, over the four decades that she has championed hospice and palliative care... This is a most enjoyable and interesting book... Balfour Mount concludes his Foreword by saying "These letters have helped to shape medical history. We are indebted to Dame Cicely and David Clark for this precious gift." Very true.' IAHPC Website