Body In Question: Exploring The Cutting Edge In Forensic Science [Hardcover]

Brian Innes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2005

Historically, the work of forensic scientists has gone largely unrecognized despite its invaluable contributions to the prosecution of countless crimes around the world. Even in works of fiction, the detective has been far more widely represented than his or her counterparts in the lab. Then, in 1994, two events dramatically heightened the public's awareness of the scientists behind the scenes: the advent of reliable DNA identification and the trial of ex-football star O.J. Simpson. Now, the field of forensics is one of the fastest-growing in the scientific community, and the exploits of the multitalented men and women who use science to unravel crimes are widely celebrated in novels, movies, and on television. Body in Question takes a comprehensive look at the meticulous work and cutting-edge science that go into solving crime today. It examines the broad scope of contemporary forensics, shedding light on the history, technology, and application of each particular specialty the discipline encompasses: microbiology, biochemistry, entomology, and physics, to name just a few. Also included are hundreds of photographs and illustrations-some of them quite graphic-of the pioneering scientists, ingenious criminals, and scientific breakthroughs and processes that are all part of the fascinating history of forensics. In Body in Question, author Brian Innes has rendered the challenging technical terrain of forensics accessible to everyone, regardless of scientific background. The application of each branch of forensics is illustrated with accounts of numerous real, and some fictional, cases that show the science at work. With a foreword by Ronald Singer, President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and packed with hundreds of photographs-many of them published here for the first time-this book provides an indispensable overview of forensics today.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc (April 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402722222
• ISBN-13: 978-1402722226
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent refence for writers, CSI junkies, September 4, 2006

By 

Angela Wilson "I love books & DVDs!" (Midwest) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Body In Question: Exploring The Cutting Edge In Forensic Science (Hardcover)

This book totally rocks my world. Innes describes crime throughout mankind, starting with the popular poisoning method centuries ago to today's most notorious cases, including Jane and John Does, JonBenet pre-John Karr and O.J. Simpson. This book is packed with amazing stories, facts about forensices and hundreds of graphics and photographs.

GREAT gift for CSI fanatics or crime writers who don't already have this handy on their reference shelves.

Angela Wilson
Author

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than CSI !, November 11, 2005

By 

C. Riding (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Body In Question: Exploring The Cutting Edge In Forensic Science (Hardcover)

If you have the slightest interest in forensics, this is the book for you. If you love the CSI programs on tv, you'll love this book as it has all the details on how they solve the crimes. The author goes into amazing detail on the history and origins of all aspects of cutting edge forensics in use today. Some famous and infamous crimes are featured as well. Some of the photos are a little graphic - but if any of it helps solve another crime, it is worth it. It's a large book and not exactly bed-time reading but despite this I just couldn't put it down until I'd finished it.