BOOK REVIEW / Paperbacks: How We Die by Sherwin B Nuland, Chatto and Windus pounds 8.99

'I have not often,' says Dr Nuland, 'seen much dignity in the process by which we die.' Seeking (cruelly?) to break down the comforting stereotype of a dignified and spiritual demise, Nuland has effectively written a guide book to death, walking all the pop ular routes: stroke, heart failure, cancer, HIV, suicide, fatal wounding, senility. He takes no prisoners. Near-death experience? Simply biochemistry. Denial? Inescapable for most. Modern medicine? Too obsessed with high-tech solutions. Doctors? Badly behaved when their patients die. An absolutely fascinating book.