'The book is suitable for undergraduates and other students of the health and social care professions. It provides some contextual background in terms of mortality and morbidity trends in the United Kingdom (UK), showing how these have changed rapidly in the last century, before going on to present synopses of contemporary challenges for policy and practice and some insights into the rich theoretical perspectives in this field of research and scholarship. Diversity, communication and the philosophy and practice of palliative care are overarching themes. The material on religious and spiritual aspects and on bereavement and loss is particularly interesting, and provides an excellent resource on which to base further research and study. Similarly, the interweaving of theoretical literature at various points makes for lively and thought-provoking reading. I would have liked to have seen some more case study examples: where these are used they make a valuable contribution to understanding.' Ageing & Society 'Of particular interest are the implications of the implementation of some of the current recommendations in the UK and Scotland regarding the broader availability of palliative care. This book will be of interest to any student of palliative medicine and will be an important reference for anyone involved with the planning and development of palliative care services in the future.

' International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care News, January 2010 - -.