Selected Bibliography of Near-Death Experiences

A broad, quite comprehensive general overview of the NDE consisting of a mix of fact and opinion.

Van Lommel provides scientific evidence that the near-death phenomenon is an authentic experience that cannot be attributed to imagination, psychosis, or oxygen deprivation. After such a profound experience, most patients' personalities undergo a permanent change. Van Lommel shows that our consciousness does not always coincide with brain functions and that consciousness can even be experienced separate from the body.

Comprehensive review of the scientific literature from the perspectives of various disciplines including health care fields and the social sciences. Among the topics are pleasurable western adult near-death experiences (NDEs) and their after effects, distressing NDEs, NDEs in children, non-western NDEs, NDE and world religions, veridical perceptions in NDE, explanatory models of NDE, and practical applications of the research.

Comprehensive overview. Cases and interpretations from writers representing various academic disciplines.

The APA's first formal acknowledgment of non-ordinary experiences.  Excellent chapter on NDEs by a foremost NDE researcher, Bruce Greyson, who is a psychiatrist and the long-time editor of the Journal of Near-Death Studies.  Also excellent chapters on NDE-related phenomena such as out-of-body experiences, psi experiences, lucid dreaming, past life experiences, and mystical experiences.

Results of a study of over 300 NDEs in the United Kingdom conducted by a neuropsychiatrist and his wife.

The most recent, and probably last, book by one of the foremost near-death researchers.  Addresses what non-NDErs can learn from the NDE.

The book that began it all.  Easy reading, basic.

A must-read companion to the previously listed book in which the author expands on information in the first book and corrects some misconceptions.

The first scientific attempt to describe the NDE itself.  Most other researchers have corroborated the findings reported in this book.

The first prospective study in which for five years the author, an MD, attempted to have every patient interviewed who had recovered from a near-death episode.

A mingling of observation, analysis, and metaphysical speculation.  Experiencers say, "She tells it like it is" about aftereffects and experiencer reactions.

The classic scientific work documenting changes after a NDE.

One of the most widely read accounts.

An informative account about one of the participants in Ken Ring's classic research.

A classic.  The NDEr whose account inspired Raymond Moody to inquire into the phenomenon Moody eventually named the near-death experience.

An account by a social worker who also has been active in IANDS.

Rare account of a Moslem woman's NDE, including her interpretation based on her upbringing in the mystical Shia branch of Islam.

A variety of experiencers tell about their experiences and how those experiences affected them.

A classic book by a pediatrician.

Written by a woman whose NDE as an adult helped her resolve the lifelong traumatic aftereffects of childhood sexual abuse.

Gay and lesbian NDErs describe their experiences and aftereffects.

Description of a rarely-reported military combat NDE told in full context of the Viet Nam war. The author's experience decades ago has poignant relevance to soldiers in combat today.

Though actually a book that addresses in general the implications of NDEs, it contains a very good chapter (#4) on, and subsequent discussion of, "painful" NDEs.

Thorough overview of distressing NDEs written by an M.D.

An autobiographical account by a pre-NDE art professor, post-NDE minister.

A new book from hospice nurse Maggie Callanan to help us understand the special needs of the dying and those who care for them.

Two hospice nurses describe the experiences of dying patients.

Unique perspective from an author who is, herself, a childhood NDEr.

The classic book that raised American consciousness about the experiences and needs of the dying.

Explains NDEs as a product of brain function.  Provocative.

An autobiographical account from a woman whose NDE occurred when she attempted suicide.

A thoughtful, provocative exploration of cultural presuppositions about heaven and their relationship with the NDE.

Summarizes reports of the incidence and types of after-death communication.

Comprehensive description of the varieties of potentially spiritually transformative experiences, their aftereffects, and suggestions for coping.  Kason, an NDEr who describes her experience in the book, is also a researcher and M.D.  The previous edition's title was "A farther shore: ...", and some sources may still list it that way.

A description of the spiritual world as experienced by the famous 18th century Swedish mystic.