During the 20th century, hundreds of books were written on suicide, but only a few can be said to have stimulated their readers to a deeper and more practical understanding of the topic. Drawing on his more than 60 years of experience, Edwin S. Shneidman has gathered in one book 13 of the most thought-provoking works of the century that offer invaluable insights on suicide and on responses to it. Comprehending Suicide begins with a brief history of the phenomenon. Engaging reviews of the landmark publications open each chapter, and together the chapters reflect historical and literary, sociological, biological, psychiatric and psychological, or survivor and helping points of view. Featured last is a lively discussion about Dr. Sheidman’s key beliefs after a lifetime of study. This book serves a large audience, from those doing research, to those helping to prevent suicide through community intervention or clinical practice, to those who have touched suicide or who have been touched by it.
