James Van Praagh teaches that death is not the end, nor is it something to be feared, and that there is indeed life after death. He believes that everyone has psychic awareness but only a few have the knowledge and self-awareness to develop it. In Heaven and Earth he describes a variety of proven practical techniques to expand one's psychic awareness and intuition. He includes inspirational stories from those who have been touched by angels or visited by spirit guides. He explains how, with the help of spirits, we can learn to solve our problems with less strain, lead healthier lives and experience more contentment and creativity.

Born in New York, James Van Praagh took comfort in spiritual visions from an early age. After graduating from San Francisco State University he spent 10 years as an aspiring scriptwriter before finding his true calling as a medium. He has many celebrity clients and has appeared twice on Larry King Live and on The Oprah Winfrey Show.