This is the third volume in the series of books based on the Annual Merseyside Course in Clinical Psychology. In common with its predecessors its aim is to present a number of topics of interest to practitioners, researchers, trainers and trainees in the field, with the intent not only to inform but variously also to question and to guide further enquiry. Selection for this volume has taken a somewhat different stance to the previous two. Whereas in former volumes an attempt has been made to cover standard areas of general and scientific interest to psychologists and others in related professions, such as anorexia nervosa, forensic issues, long term care, mental handicap, community psychology, anxiety and de­ pression, in this one issues which are of equal relevance but not necessarily of equal prominence in psychological texts, are included. We have not, however, neglected those areas more readily recognized as of major clinical import which are being progressively covered in this series. This year we have the section 'Bereavement and the Care of the Dying'. Although for many this may not be a main focus, it is a subject that few helpers do not encounter either directly or indirectly with their clients. It would be impossible for this subject to not reflect the most human side of the caring professions, and it is perhaps in this field that the objective/subjective dilemma of the clinician can be seen in its most acute form.