Saved by the Light


Saved by the Light is a book by Dannion Brinkley describing his purported near-death experience. It is co-authored by Paul Perry. Brinkley claims to have been struck by lightning and to have clinically died for approximately twenty-eight minutes. He eventually told a tale of a dark tunnel, a crystal city, and a "cathedral of knowledge" where thirteen "angels" shared with him over a hundred revelations about the future, some of which he claims have come true.
The book's major assertions have been challenged, including claims that Brinkley was clinically dead at all.

Refutations

Some of the book's assertions were subsequently challenged, including claims of where and how Brinkley recovered and how long he was supposedly dead, and claims made about his military service record. Interviews with his physician and the reporter who interviewed him indicate that Brinkley never entered the hospital or morgue and that Brinkley originally did not claim to have died, but only that he "was out for a few minutes", and that his wife saved his life. This is in sharp contrast to the story of a morgue-revival after being dead for 28 minutes as was claimed in the book.

Commercial success

Within two weeks of publication, another 5000 copies were printed. The book was on The New York Times bestseller charts for over 25 weeks.
The book was adapted for a 1995 FOX TV film of the same name starring Eric Roberts. Since originally airing, it has been in regular circulation on the Lifetime television network.