Description
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most beautiful and most photographed structures in the world. It's also the most deadly. Since it opened in 1937, more than 1,500 people have died jumping off the bridge, making it the top suicide site on earth. It's also the only international landmark without a suicide barrier. Weaving drama, tragedy, and politics against the backdrop of a world-famous city, "The Final Leap" is the first book ever written about Golden Gate Bridge suicides. John Bateson leads us on a fascinating journey that uncovers the reasons for the design decision that led to so many deaths, provides insight into the phenomenon of suicide, and examines arguments for and against a suicide barrier. He tells the stories of those who have died, the few who have survived, and those who have been affected - from loving families to the Coast Guard, from the coroner to suicide prevention advocates.
About the Author
John Bateson is Executive Director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center in Contra Costa County, California and the author of Building Hope. He has served on the steering committee of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In 2007 he was appointed to a blue-ribbon committee charged with creating the California Strategic Plan on Suicide Prevention.
Reviews
"The appearance of the publication of this sensitive and humane apologia signifies the continuing struggle for maturity and depth in an American civilization capable of creating such a breathtaking path of sculptured steel across the entrance to a bay and a city so evocative of life." San Francisco Chronicle "The appearance of the publication of this sensitive and humane apologia signifies the continuing struggle for maturity and depth in an American civilization capable of creating such a breathtaking path of sculptured steel across the entrance to a bay and a city so evocative of life." Salt Lake Tribune "Compelling... The Final Leap is a highly readable book ... [and] is accessible to a wide range of readers." -- Tony O'Brien Metapsychology Online Review "Masterful... It is hard not to be emotionally moved by this relatively slim volume... Gripping, informative, maddening, and saddening." -- Daniel S. Weiss Psyccritiques
Book Information
ISBN 9780520272408
Author John Bateson
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 499g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 25mm
About the Author
John Bateson is Executive Director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center in Contra Costa County, California and the author of Building Hope. He has served on the steering committee of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In 2007 he was appointed to a blue-ribbon committee charged with creating the California Strategic Plan on Suicide Prevention.
Reviews
"The appearance of the publication of this sensitive and humane apologia signifies the continuing struggle for maturity and depth in an American civilization capable of creating such a breathtaking path of sculptured steel across the entrance to a bay and a city so evocative of life." San Francisco Chronicle "The appearance of the publication of this sensitive and humane apologia signifies the continuing struggle for maturity and depth in an American civilization capable of creating such a breathtaking path of sculptured steel across the entrance to a bay and a city so evocative of life." Salt Lake Tribune "Compelling... The Final Leap is a highly readable book ... [and] is accessible to a wide range of readers." -- Tony O'Brien Metapsychology Online Review "Masterful... It is hard not to be emotionally moved by this relatively slim volume... Gripping, informative, maddening, and saddening." -- Daniel S. Weiss Psyccritiques
Book Information
ISBN 9780520272408
Author John Bateson
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 499g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 25mm
