For nurses, palliative care workers, counselors, and pastoral workers, as well as those who have had near-death experiences and their families, Perera (psychiatry, U. of Melbourne, Australia) et al. compile 11 chapters by researchers working in religious studies, near-death studies, anthropology, neuropsychiatry, epidemiology, cardiology, and other fields in Australia, Sri Lanka, India, and the UK who explore the theory and evidence behind the phenomenon. They discuss research in the area, what the phenomenon is and how it is defined, how many people have had it, how it has been experienced in different cultures, and its physiological, psychological, and medical bases. They also address other situations where a similar state might occur, children's experiences, the role of light, the religious significance, and assessment and management. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)