This book is a collection of essays by authors from a diversity of professional disciplines and backgrounds. The editors are a psychoanalyst/sociologist and a sociologist/social anthropologist. The other authors include an anthropologist, a philosopher with an interest in ethics, a general practitioner, a historian of medicine, an osteopath and naturopath, a professor of sociology, a lawyer who specialises in medical issues, and a gynaecologist. The papers vary considerably in quality, and in the breadth and depth of their approach to the theme of the book. What brings together this rather motley collection of people is a common interest in the nature of the ‘Healing Bond’ and