Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

The single most important character in this book is the author herself. While revealing little about her background, this ground-breaking project was clearly within her sphere of specialized interest and was successful only due to her determination to make a difference for the terminally ill and their families. Her European background, where death is discussed openly and handled in a healthy way, was at odds with the cultural customs she observed in this country. Almost single-handedly, Dr. Kubler-Ross broke open this field for Americans and ultimately, changed the way we deal with this sensitive subject.

The author does not reveal much about herself or her background, but her presence in every aspect of this book is obvious. She is at the head of the study, requested by four theological students with whom we are never made quite familiar. Clearly, she was the creator of the multi-disciplinary team...