Forensic Art and Illustration (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Many law enforcement officers have come to know the power of forensic art..." (more)
Key Phrases: postmortem drawing, fugitive updates, child age progressions, Courtesy of Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety, Betty Pat (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

For any artist who desires to understand the human head, this book is a must.
- DETECTIVE BOB POWERS, Chief Forensic Artist, Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff's Office, USA

For any artist who desires to understand the human head, this book is a must.
- DETECTIVE BOB POWERS, Chief Forensic Artist, Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriffs Office, USA

For anyone interested in forensic related art, facial reconstruction and identification, this book is a wealth of knowledge. … Certainly, it is a major work that merits serious attention and consideration. Importantly, the language and style of writing is most conducive to a quick grasp of the intended meaning. Finally, noting that the author gave named recognition to other contributors, it speaks well that the book was written for the right reasons.
- RICHARD D. WALTER

For anyone interested in forensic related art, facial reconstruction and identification, this book is a wealth of knowledge. … Certainly, it is a major work that merits serious attention and consideration. Importantly, the language and style of writing is most conducive to a quick grasp of the intended meaning. Finally, noting that the author gave named recognition to other contributors, it speaks well that the book was written for the right reasons.
- RICHARD D. WALTER

Forensic Art and Illustration is the perfect synthesis of art and science applied to forensics... An outstanding landmark in the field, Forensic Art and Illustration is the one book for anyone interested in the application of art and illustration to forensic investigations.
-Science & Justice 2001; vol. 41;4 (November)

Karen Taylor's much anticipated text on forensic art happily lives up to the highest expectations. Karen is preeminent in the field and one of the few people practicing today who has professional experience in ALL aspects of forensic art … Chapters [which are] co-authored with Betty Pat. Gatliff (the 'Grand Dame' of forensic facial reconstruction) will be especially appreciated by the students of these two distinguished international teachers.
-ROBERT GEORGE, Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy and Biology, Florida International University, Miami

Karen Taylor has done a thorough and painstaking job to make this technical arena both fascinating and accessible. … no one will come away without having learned an immense amount about how art aids in criminal investigation.
-DR. KATHERINE RAMSLAND, Court TV/Crime Library

In addition to being a wonderful … 'how to do it', the book is enjoyable and interesting to read even for the lay reader. … I suspect that the very simple and straightforward approach conveyed in Forensic Art and Illustration only comes from those who feel the masters (or mistresses) of their field of expertise. I consider this book an essential part of every forensic anthropologist's and odontologist's library.
-DR. JOHN G. CLEMENT, Professor of Oral Pathology and Forensic Odontology, University of Melbourne, Australia

Taylor has made a wonderful contribution for all future Forensic Investigation … a must read.
-SUSAN KLINGER, D.O., Pathologist, Anchorage, Alaska

… the quintessential forensic art book that sets the standard for the discipline and for all future textbooks to come. Taylor's book has well over 500 pages of illustrations and information … meticulously researched, organized, referenced and indexed … great aid for criminal lawyers, police departments, colleges with criminal justice courses and … research psychologists.
-DETECTIVE FRANK DOMINGO, Forensic Artist, New York City Police Department, Retired

Impressive … thorough coverage of all the diverse aspects of facial reconstruction … every work step and work background is described extensively, and detailed descriptions of specific cases are given … this book is a new standard!
-PROF. DR. FREIDRICH W. ROSING, Anthropologist, Institute for Human Genetics and Anthropology, Ulm, Germany

… an amazing contribution for portrait artists and teachers of art at high school and adult levels …
-DR. JUDY KULA, Professor of Art, Phoenix College, Arizona, USA

… an extraordinarily concise and helpful guide in my efforts to understand this field of research. … Taylor finds the exact balance of effective teaching … she is able to demystify the complexities of such work by a step by step approach based in common sense … I consider this book to be a prize possession and it no doubt will, as Ms. Taylor hoped, be dog-eared and worn from frequent use.
-DONNA CLINE, M.A., Cline Medical Illustration, Sierra Madre, California

Finally, one of the most accomplished Sketch Artists of our time has brought the discipline of Forensic Art into focus …
-GIL ZAMORA, Forensic Artist and Instructor, San Jose, California

… this book reads as though you are sitting next to Ms. Taylor and she has decided to reveal the secrets of the forensic art universe over a cup of tea … no artist will be able to claim he or she is properly trained without having studied with Karen or from her book.
-KAREN HARE, Crime Scene Investigator, Midland, Texas

… an invaluable aid for any practitioner in this field.
-JANET RICHARDSON, Forensic Artist, United Kingdom

Karen Taylors much anticipated text on forensic art happily lives up to the highest expectations. Karen is preeminent in the field and one of the few people practicing today who has professional experience in ALL aspects of forensic art … Chapters [which are] co-authored with Betty Pat. Gatliff (the Grand Dame of forensic facial reconstruction) will be especially appreciated by the students of these two distinguished international teachers.
-ROBERT GEORGE, Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy and Biology, Florida International University, Miami

Karen Taylor has done a thorough and painstaking job to make this technical arena both fascinating and accessible. … no one will come away without having learned an immense amount about how art aids in criminal investigation.
-DR. KATHERINE RAMSLAND, Court TV/Crime Library

In addition to being a wonderful … how to do it, the book is enjoyable and interesting to read even for the lay reader. … I suspect that the very simple and straightforward approach conveyed in Forensic Art and Illustration only comes from those who feel the masters (or mistresses) of their field of expertise. I consider this book an essential part of every forensic anthropologists and odontologists library.
-DR. JOHN G. CLEMENT, Professor of Oral Pathology and Forensic Odontology, University of Melbourne, Australia

Taylor has made a wonderful contribution for all future Forensic Investigation … a must read.
-SUSAN KLINGER, D.O., Pathologist, Anchorage, Alaska

… the quintessential forensic art book that sets the standard for the discipline and for all future textbooks to come. Taylors book has well over 500 pages of illustrations and information … meticulously researched, organized, referenced and indexed … great aid for criminal lawyers, police departments, colleges with criminal justice courses and … research psychologists.
-DETECTIVE FRANK DOMINGO, Forensic Artist, New York City Police Department, Retired

Impressive … thorough coverage of all the diverse aspects of facial reconstruction … every work step and work background is described extensively, and detailed descriptions of specific cases are given … this book is a new standard!
-PROF. DR. FREIDRICH W. ROSING, Anthropologist, Institute for Human Genetics and Anthropology, Ulm, Germany

… an amazing contribution for portrait artists and teachers of art at high school and adult levels …
-DR. JUDY KULA, Professor of Art, Phoenix College, Arizona, USA

… an extraordinarily concise and helpful guide in my efforts to understand this field of research. … Taylor finds the exact balance of effective teaching … she is able to demystify the complexities of such work by a step by step approach based in common sense … I consider this book to be a prize possession and it no doubt will, as Ms. Taylor hoped, be dog-eared and worn from frequent use.
-DONNA CLINE, M.A., Cline Medical Illustration, Sierra Madre, California

Finally, one of the most accomplished Sketch Artists of our time has brought the discipline of Forensic Art into focus …
-GIL ZAMORA, Forensic Artist and Instructor, San Jose, California

… this book reads as though you are sitting next to Ms. Taylor and she has decided to reveal the secrets of the forensic art universe over a cup of tea … no artist will be able to claim he or she is properly trained without having studied with Karen or from her book.
-KAREN HARE, Crime Scene Investigator, Midland, Texas

… an invaluable aid for any practitioner in this field.
-JANET RICHARDSON, Forensic Artist, United Kingdom

Our viewers know we've worked with Karen on many cases. She's one of the best.
-JOHN WALSH, Host of America's Most Wanted, FOX Television

… a class act by a class author … a wonderful contribution to the area …
-DR. RONALD P. FISHER, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami

As Vernon Geberth's Practical Homicide Investigation is the bible for homicide investigators, Karen Taylor's Forensic Art and Illustration will become the bible for forensic artists.
-DETECTIVE CASEY JOHNSON, King County Sheriff's Office, Seattle, Washington

… superb. It provides an easy-to-read and practical guide to the esoteric science of forensic art.
-DR. CLYDE SNOW, Forensic Anthropologist

Great for Television Writers … The book succeeds as both a useful research tool for the experienced analyst as well as being a fascinating, entertaining, easy to follow text for anyone who is new to the field of forensic art … We cannot say enough good things about this book.
-JOSH BERMAN (Co-producer) and DAVID BERMAN (Researcher), C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS Television

Karen Taylor, a renowned forensic artist, has created the definitive guide to the art and science of forensic illustration. In her lucidly written and gorgeously illustrated book, Forensic Art and Illustration, she provides an authoritative account of the history and practice of forensic illustration and offers her readers a fascinating glimpse into the world of crime victims and criminal offenders. Her book should become a classic reference text for those interested in forensic science and criminal justice, and an invaluable resource for those of us interested in the faces as researchers, artists, physicians, anthropologists, or simply as human beings.
-NANCY ETCOFF, Ph.D., Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, Harvard Medical School
Author of Survival of the Prettiest

Our viewers know weve worked with Karen on many cases. Shes one of the best.
-JOHN WALSH, Host of Americas Most Wanted, FOX Television

… a class act by a class author … a wonderful contribution to the area …
-DR. RONALD P. FISHER, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami

As Vernon Geberths Practical Homicide Investigation is the bible for homicide investigators, Karen Taylors Forensic Art and Illustration will become the bible for forensic artists.
-DETECTIVE CASEY JOHNSON, King County Sheriffs Office, Seattle, Washington

… superb. It provides an easy-to-read and practical guide to the esoteric science of forensic art.
-DR. CLYDE SNOW, Forensic Anthropologist

Great for Television Writers … The book succeeds as both a useful research tool for the experienced analyst as well as being a fascinating, entertaining, easy to follow text for anyone who is new to the field of forensic art … We cannot say enough good things about this book.
-JOSH BERMAN (Co-producer) and DAVID BERMAN (Researcher), C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS Television

Karen Taylor, a renowned forensic artist, has created the definitive guide to the art and science of forensic illustration. In her lucidly written and gorgeously illustrated book, Forensic Art and Illustration, she provides an authoritative account of the history and practice of forensic illustration and offers her readers a fascinating glimpse into the world of crime victims and criminal offenders. Her book should become a classic reference text for those interested in forensic science and criminal justice, and an invaluable resource for those of us interested in the faces as researchers, artists, physicians, anthropologists, or simply as human beings.
-NANCY ETCOFF, Ph.D., Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, Harvard Medical School
Author of Survival of the Prettiest

The clearly described detail makes this book a must as a reference/resource for all professional personnel involved in forensic identification.
- RONN TAYLOR, Forensic Sculptor, Victorian Institute of Medicine and School of Dental Science, The University of Melbourne, Australia

This book is quite literally a vade mecum on the subjects it canvasses. … it is a manual, more than merely a primer, for the investigative uses of the subjects of forensic art and illustration. … would I stock my library with this book? I have two, one for my home study and one for my professional office. Need more be said in praise of this book?
-PROFESSOR JAMES E. STARRS, LLM, Professor of Law and Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Law School, Washington, D.C., in Scientific Sleuthing Review

… a comprehensive text that examines forensic art and its role in criminal investigation … essential not only to law enforcement and criminal justice personnel but also to forensic and social anthropologists, police artists, and mental health care professionals who assist crime victims.
-MICHAEL TAISTER, Forensic Artist, Forensic Science Communications, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, D.C., in Forensic Science Communications

[a] multidisciplinary approach to many forensic art applications … an excellent publication … this is one of those books that defines a discipline and will be read and referred to for many years …
-ROY PASCHAL, Forensic Artist, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, in Journal of Forensic Identification

This book is quite literally a vade mecum on the subjects it canvasses. … it is a manual, more than merely a primer, for the investigative uses of the subjects of forensic art and illustration. … would I stock my library with this book? I have two, one for my home study and one for my professional office. Need more be said in praise of this book?
-PROFESSOR JAMES E. STARRS, LLM, Professor of Law and Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Law School, Washington, D.C., in Scientific Sleuthing Review

… a comprehensive text that examines forensic art and its role in criminal investigation … essential not only to law enforcement and criminal justice personnel but also to forensic and social anthropologists, police artists, and mental health care professionals who assist crime victims.
-MICHAEL TAISTER, Forensic Artist, Forensic Science Communications, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, D.C., in Forensic Science Communications

[a] multidisciplinary approach to many forensic art applications … an excellent publication … this is one of those books that defines a discipline and will be read and referred to for many years …
-ROY PASCHAL, Forensic Artist, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, in Journal of Forensic Identification

This book should be in the library of every forensic artist and forensic anthropologist. Taylor has managed to produce a comprehensive reference text that is encyclopedic in scope, yet is as interesting as a mystery novel. The book is filled with well-illustrated case reports and step-by-step instructions on the use of techniques … Taylor's artistic talents, which have resulted in successful identification of countless suspects as well as victims, are now matched only by her talents as an author.
-EMILY CRAIG, Ph.D, Forensic Anthropologist, Kentucky State Medical Examiner's Office

… more than worth the price … it covers simply everything, and even manages to do it in an interesting, extremely well-written manner. I actually found myself sitting down and reading it just for pleasure. A perfectly superb piece of work.
-AARON ELKINS, Anthropologist and Edgar-award winning mystery writer, Washington

This book should be in the library of every forensic artist and forensic anthropologist. Taylor has managed to produce a comprehensive reference text that is encyclopedic in scope, yet is as interesting as a mystery novel. The book is filled with well-illustrated case reports and step-by-step instructions on the use of techniques … Taylors artistic talents, which have resulted in successful identification of countless suspects as well as victims, are now matched only by her talents as an author.
-EMILY CRAIG, Ph.D, Forensic Anthropologist, Kentucky State Medical Examiners Office

… more than worth the price … it covers simply everything, and even manages to do it in an interesting, extremely well-written manner. I actually found myself sitting down and reading it just for pleasure. A perfectly superb piece of work.
-AARON ELKINS, Anthropologist and Edgar-award winning mystery writer, Washington

an excellent resource manual for us to keep nearby when consulting and working on active cases
-MICHAEL STREED, Detective, Orange County, Calfornia

… Her book has been a tremendous guide for me in understanding the interview process of victims/witnesses, and her examples of her own drawings have been an aide to me that is unsurpassed.
-CORPORAL WALTER SIEGEL, Police Officer, Shaker Heights, Ohio

… I'm certain that the excellent presentation of material, coupled with the easy-to-follow information will keep the novice reader and professional artist involved from cover to cover. And it should hold a proud spot on everyone's shelf as a learning resource for years to come.
-LORI FRANZ, Continuing Education Staff, University of Texas, Austin

… THE ONLY complete source on the subject of forensic illustration available today. … It is a must for every potential police sketch artist and every law enforcement agency!
-DOROTHY NALLS, Forensic Artist, Carpinteria, California

… a MUST tool for any forensic artist! …
-STEVEN L. JOHNSON, Forensic Artist, Davenport, Iowa

… a gift to all who toil in the trenches of police investigations.
-KAREN WISNIEWSKI, Police Officer, Fingerprint Examiner, Composite Artist, Dearborn, Michigan

… Karen has handed down to us a career's worth of precious and priceless knowledge …
-LT. LISA SHEPPARD, Texas Department of Public Safety, Corpus Christi

… the most comprehensive, detailed, methodical, insightful and visual presentation of the profession …
-DETECTIVE KEVIN RICHLIN, San Jose, California

… the definitive book on artists who use their talents to help law enforcement catch criminals …
-LOIS GIBSON, Forensic Artist, Houston Police Department, Texas

This is a classic portrait drawing book. Karen Taylor's book deserves 5 stars … There is nothing like it … fascinating reading.
-JAMES L. FERRY, Art Instructor, Sacramento, California

… a must for all forensic artists.
-ROBER T. EXTER, Forensic Artist, Reddind, California

… will no doubt be the bible of forensic artists for many, many years to come.
-CHARLES T. JACKSON, Forensic Artist, Haddon Township, New Jersey

… Her book has been a tremendous guide for me in understanding the interview process of victims/witnesses, and her examples of her own drawings have been an aide to me that is unsurpassed.
-CORPORAL WALTER SIEGEL, Police Officer, Shaker Heights, Ohio

… Im certain that the excellent presentation of material, coupled with the easy-to-follow information will keep the novice reader and professional artist involved from cover to cover. And it should hold a proud spot on everyones shelf as a learning resource for years to come.
-LORI FRANZ, Continuing Education Staff, University of Texas, Austin

… THE ONLY complete source on the subject of forensic illustration available today. … It is a must for every potential police sketch artist and every law enforcement agency!
-DOROTHY NALLS, Forensic Artist, Carpinteria, California

… a MUST tool for any forensic artist! …
-STEVEN L. JOHNSON, Forensic Artist, Davenport, Iowa

… a gift to all who toil in the trenches of police investigations.
-KAREN WISNIEWSKI, Police Officer, Fingerprint Examiner, Composite Artist, Dearborn, Michigan

… Karen has handed down to us a careers worth of precious and priceless knowledge …
-LT. LISA SHEPPARD, Texas Department of Public Safety, Corpus Christi

… the most comprehensive, detailed, methodical, insightful and visual presentation of the profession …
-DETECTIVE KEVIN RICHLIN, San Jose, California

… the definitive book on artists who use their talents to help law enforcement catch criminals …
-LOIS GIBSON, Forensic Artist, Houston Police Department, Texas

This is a classic portrait drawing book. Karen Taylors book deserves 5 stars … There is nothing like it … fascinating reading.
-JAMES L. FERRY, Art Instructor, Sacramento, California

… a must for all forensic artists.
-ROBER T. EXTER, Forensic Artist, Reddind, California

… will no doubt be the bible of forensic artists for many, many years to come.
-CHARLES T. JACKSON, Forensic Artist, Haddon Township, New Jersey

Product Description

As the number of stranger-on-stranger crimes increases, solving these crimes becomes more challenging. Forensic illustration has become increasingly important as a tool in identifying both perpetrators and victims. Now a leading forensic artist, who has taught this subject at law enforcement academies, schools, and universities internationally, offers readers the benefit of her extensive knowledge and experience. Forensic Art and Illustration is the first book to provide complete coverage of all aspects of the field, and includes much previously unavailable information.Beginning with the first-ever in-depth documentation of the history of forensic art, this book proceeds logically through explanations of facial anatomy, practical methodologies and techniques, case examples, and a glossary of terms. More than 700 illustrations and photographs depict art methods used in identifying and locating crime victims and criminal offenders. Numerous successful examples, taken from actual solved cases, demonstrate applications of the methods and techniques presented. Ideal for both forensic artists who want to improve their skills and those who work with them in law enforcement, Forensic Art and Illustration is a practical guide as well as a complete look at the state of the art of forensic illustration today.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: CRC Press; 1 edition (September 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849381185
• ISBN-13: 978-0849381188
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (105 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #230,604 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Priceless Knowledge, January 11, 2001

By	Lt. Lisa Sheppard (Corpus Christi, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

As an officer with the Texas Department of Public Safety's Special Crimes Service, I have seen firsthand how a competent, professional, forensic artist can make the difference between success or failure in an investigation. Karen Taylor, in particular, has been instrumental in putting countless violent criminals behind bars. Numerous police agenices, communities, investigators and crime victims owe Karen Taylor a tremendous debt of gratitude for her contributions to law enforcement; many other individuals as well, because swift apprehension of predators meant they never had to experience the pain of becoming a crime victim. Unfortunately, I have also seen the wasted time and effort and the counterproductive confusion that accompanies substandard or marginal forensic art attempts. Forensic Art & Illustration should be "the reference" that sets the standard for forensic artists. It is also imperative that investigators, police administrators and prosecutors read and digest every word of this book. These professionals need to be able to evaluate the credibility of individual police artists and the techniques they employ to ensure that serious criminal investigations are not compromised. Thank you Karen for giving them the means to understanding. The intense labor and meticulous research that went into writing this book is apparent from start to finish. Karen Taylor has handed down to us a career's worth of precious and priceless knowledge. Her next project should be an anthology of case studies!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't leave home without it..., January 11, 2007

By	Jerferd (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

Forensic Art and Illustration is completely indispensible to anyone serious about learning any aspect of forensic art, and also to the merely curious. I bought it because I had long been interested in facial reconstruction, and wanted to try it on my own. This book made the process remarkably easy, detailing how to build a stand to mount the skull on, lengths and locations of the tissue depth markers, and proper application of the clay, all accompanied by clear and easy-to-follow photos of Betty Pat. Gatliff's excellent work. There is also a very comprehensive section on two-dimensional facial reconstruction (largely Ms. Taylor's own innovation) that is worth the price of admission in itself.

The book is highly approachable, and accessible to anyone with even the vaguest interest in the subject. Every facet of forensic art (including its history) is covered in brilliant detail, so that the book serves as a truly practical manual as well as a fascinating read. Forensic Art and Illustration really is the gold standard in the field. Don't be caught without a copy in your forensic library.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THANK YOU, THANK YOU--- LONG OVERDUE!!!!!!!!!!, August 13, 2002

By	Ingrid P. Dean (Grayling, MI USA) - See all my reviews

I have been a forensic artist for the Michigan State Police for over ten years, and this is the BEST book I have ever read in the field of forensic art and illustration!!! This is the only current, detailed, hands-on, training guide I know of in the field of police art, and I guarantee no one will find a book like it at this time. It is obvious the author, Ms. Karen Taylor, took great pains to compile the various methods and examples shared throughout the book. It's the only attempt I've seen to standardize the various methods used today and to explain the methods in such an easy-to-read, yet detailed, exploratory fashion. It should be noted how difficult it must have been for the author to obtain legal permission to print the photographs and pictures in the book, thus showing her own very selfless and genuine regard for identifying victims and unknown people. Forensic art is still a very new and multifaceted profession in the world of police identification. The book addresses so many of the unexpected challenges a police artist may incur, that I STRONGLY recommend anyone working in the field, new or veteran, to purchase the book. This would also be an excellent tool or reference for those interested in pursuing such a challenging, but rewarding, profession. The book is
EXCELLENT!!!