The Last Dance: Encountering Death and Dying

by Lynne Ann DeSpelder, Albert Lee Strickland

The best-selling textbook in the field, offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of death and dying. Integrating the experiential, scholarly, social, individual, emotional, and intellectual dimensions of death and dying, the eighth edition of this acclaimed text has been revised to offer cutting-edge and comprehensive coverage of death studies. This new edition of provides solid grounding in theory and research, as well as practical application to students' lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Death, Psychology, School, Sociology, Textbooks, Philosophy

696 pages, Hardcover

Published February 20, 2004

About the author

Lynne is an educator, author, and counselor. As a faculty member at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California, she developed and taught one of the first interdisciplinary courses on death and dying. Certified by ADEC as a death educator and as a grief counselor, Lynne was instrumental in developing the organization's Education for Certification program. In addition to producing audiovisual and print resources, she lectures both in North America and internationally to professional, corporate, and community groups. She also conducts training programs and in-service education for hospices, school districts, community organizations, and health care professionals.
Lynne Ann DeSpelder and Albert Lee Strickland collaborated on writing projects over a number of years. The many editions of The Last Dance: Encountering Death and Dying could not exist without the unique combination of their talents as a teacher and a writer working together. The early decision to tape and transcribe classroom lectures with student interaction gives the book a conversational tone. The book's interdisciplinary flavor reflects the goal of covering the subject as broadly as possible.
Both Lynne and Al are members of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement (IWG), which gives them opportunities to work closely with death-related professionals from many countries. IWG meetings are held in various countries, creating opportunities to pursue one of their favorite aspects of the study of death and dying-- cultural diversity in practice and belief. In 2003, they received the Death Education Award from the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).

Reviews

[Linchetto · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a textbook for a course that I thought would actually be interesting . I thought there would be a lot more information about different cultures and their death beliefs/ rituals but really those stories are few and far between. This is really a book about the white bread part of the USA and people that have the insurance that can afford the awesome healthcare and the benefits that go with it. The parts about, „those without“ make up about 3 sentences in the entire book, which is interesting for a book meant for a Sociology class!

[Emma Duncan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacks perspective

[Javier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an incredibly informative read. The subject of death can be a difficult one to study, and there were definitely parts during the book that I was feeling uncomfortable. Yet, to explore something so human was fascinating. We will all face death at some point, or someone in our life will, this book made me feel more prepared to handle these situations. In addition to that, as the book explores death and the understanding of death from different cultural views, it gives very rich insight as to what the meaning of life and death may be to those who are not from the same cultural group as we are.

The book is very thorough covering many if not all aspects of death from the cultural, to the legal, to the scientific to the spiritual. It is not an "easy" read in that it is organized as a textbook and so there are a lot of interruptions (images, boxes with information, graphs). I found that a bit challenging but it was still a fantastic read.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book I've read on death and dying issues...everything from cultural attitudes on death to the psychological impact of different types of death (ie, death of a child, suicide,etc.), and the process of grieving. Excellent!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a Death & Dying class. While the class has been very impactful on me I am taking a star away for the usual textbook fail of operating from a gender binary perspective (no need to say "he or she" repeatedly, just say "they"!), and because several areas could use a more nuanced and honest appraisal of where racism shows up in medical and other fields related to death and dying. I felt it glossed over things several times. Other than that, it's honestly a great read even outside of a classroom setting - some chapters I wept thru, some I hurried thru, and some I could have kept reading.

[David Kirschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book, and extremely positive response from students. I used it for a Death, Grief, & Dying course. It also served as my first introduction to the field, so I appreciated its straightforwardness and thoughtful, reflective prose. It discusses theory and research, practical application useful for students and workers in human services, and sprinkles poetry and examples grounding discussions throughout. I taught every chapter, and the instructor resources are AWESOME, the best I've ever seen.

[Abbie Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This doesn't seem like the average read, but it actually is very interesting. It is a look into the study of death and dying, and the subjects, problems and procedures surrounding death. Main topics include: cultural funeral practices, belief systems about the afterlife, and knowledge about planning and paying for a funeral.

[Beth Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very easy to read textbook. It was interesting and kept my attention throughout. I would like to read an updated version. This one is about 20 years outdated and focuses a lot on AIDS. It would be interesting to read about how technological advances in the last 20 years affect thanatology.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a textbook could be so good? Although my class was asynchronous online, this fascinating book more than made up for it. Doesn’t hurt that one of the authors (DeSpelder) was a past instructor of my class.

[Tarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening and useful

This book forces you to look at things you may have been taught to a valid and consider things the world will tell you are better left to later. Read it now and explore all parts of life.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. So often, it can be difficult to look at and accept our eventual deaths. I found it very accessible and eye opening. It's definitely a book that I will keep around so that I can read it again.

[Georgia Hall]

I had to read this whole textbook cover to cover. I am unwell

[Tazz 7906 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read it for a class, but it was a decent read.

[Emma Kudrik]

Read for HD 360.

[Debra Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference book for Thana Doulas

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mid.

[Megamus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assigned reading for thanatology class. A decent read. :)

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of what is to be considered concerning our lives and deaths as well as working with those who are dealing with such pertinent questions.

[jengi haze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative.

[Jeanie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this book for a Sociology class. Very helpful and a good read.

[Sonya Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book for a sociology course and I will keep it. I really enjoyed the stories and scenarios.

[James Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read through this book while taking a course on Death, Dying, and Bereavement as an elective for an undergraduate degree in psychology in 2011. I thought it was informative and served much of the purpose of the class. The course, along with the book, helped broaden my understanding on the diverse manners in which people deal with death. It was the first time that I was exposed to the idea that death, and bereavement, can have elements of humor, which up to that point I had always perceived this particular element of life as always being somber and sad. This insight came to be useful when I gave a eulogy at my father's funeral.

[Colleen Bousquet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more like a text book, and is full of information. I did not read it cover to cover, but selected parts to read that I thought would help me understand death and grieving. I recently lost a loved one. This book helped me gather information, to help myself. It's a good book for anyone that is grieving over a lost love.

[Captain Jacq · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my textbook for a course called Death and Dying. It was very interesting and provided a lot of information. My favorite parts were about how different cultures in the world and in different times dealt with the same events. I don't see people reading it as just a book unless they are very interested in the field or have just lost a loved one.

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel very indifferent. It was definitely thorough, and maybe too much so. An interesting read if you want every detail of death in society spelled out. If you are looking for a more philosophical book or a text that challenges you to think critically, I would pass. I ended up skimming a lot because the major concepts were bogged down in lots of explanation.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Social and Psychological Aspects of Death & Dying GERO 437 Fall 2005

This class (and this fantastic textbook and, to be entirely fair, a fantastic professor) turned me into a Gerontology major. Bravo!

[Wysterria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for my Psychology of Death and Dying class and really enjoyed. One of the most interesting textbooks I've had to read in a long time. Definitely recommend this class to anyone, or just read the book.

[Rom · Rating 5 out of 5]

well, since we all ends up (death) in you know,,, this book tells about other culture on how they deals on death.. reason why people commits suicide.. everything bout death..

[Catharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing overview of all things related to death and dying. Very readable and a must read for anyone who is going to die or is currently working with the dying;

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to death, I believe this is a classic for the student exploring death and dying in the human world.