Talking Bones: The Science of Forensic Anthropology (Facts on File Science Sourcebooks) (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9?A fascinating examination of this 100-year-old science that involves the study of bones to solve crimes and identify remains. Thomas traces its history from the Luetgert trial in Chicago in 1897 through the 1993 Branch Davidian standoff. Cases described are sometimes gruesome, but they are not sensationalized. Technology and equipment used by scientists are clearly explained. Excellent black-and-white diagrams show parts of the human skeleton, differences between human and nonhuman bones, and DNA analysis. Numerous black-and-white photographs illustrate many points, but they are often small or out of focus. The glossary and index are helpful, but there is no pronunciation guide. The list for further reading contains mostly adult books. This title will fill a gap in most collections and will appeal particularly to readers of Don Lessem's The Iceman (Crown, 1994).?Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, Austin
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Introduces the history, technology, and importance of the science of using human remains to solve crimes and includes actual forensic cases.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816031142
• ISBN-13: 978-0816031146
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,009,994 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Beginner's Introduction., August 15, 2007

By	Victoria J. Knoll (Where I hang my hat.) - See all my reviews

With the sensationalization of foresnics on TV and films, the real science and art of foresenic anthropology gets downplayed and confusing. Not only from the tools used, but the types of people involved--the specialists, and the way a case is analyzied and solved and to the long hard work to get to the right answer.

In Thomas' book, a reader will get a great introduction to the world of Forensics, i.e. Forensic Anthropology, and for those who don't have a clue, this book offers explanations and case studies to show what is really involved.

Before the chapters, a simple diagram of the human skeleton and skull are shown and its major parts labeled. Thomas begins by giving a brief background of how Foresnics came into conception and the struggle for the field to garner its now bright spotlight. The important thing that she emphasizes is not the flashy cases, but the human aspect of every case and the importance of putting a name to the bones/face is what the real joy and pain of being a forensic anthropologist is.

She emphasizes that as anthropologits, they deal in human terms. She continues to describe, step by step, the process of identifiying the body based on sex, age, race and other identifying marks, such as diseases or injuries. But also the manner of death and how the individual dies but also the why. It is not a one man team but an inclusion of many people from various backgrounds. Next, a quick explanation about some of the scientific tools used, such DNA fingerprinting. And finally, she applies all this to various case studies that incorporate ancient archaeological bones, to modern day homicides, and recent historical figures.

This is not a thorough book, and some parts are woefully glossed over, but it gives a great starting point. The back has a very short, if not slightly useless list of words used in the work. But all the same, it may help clarify for some.