Cicely Saunders - Founder of the Hospice Movement

Reviews / Votes

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, Vol 2, No 2 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, 10 (2) 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, Vol 11, No 1 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, 43 (5) 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