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Body In Question: Exploring The Cutting Edge In Forensic Science
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. Packed with hundreds of photographs, many of them published here for the first time, this book provides an indispensable overview of forensics today.
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. Packed with hundreds of photographs, many of them published here for the first time, this book provides an indispensable overview of forensics today.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 23, 2023
Excellent reference book for all that enjoy reading anything related to forensics. Insightful and easy to read for all, especially writers in the mystery genre. Book has lots of photos & illustrations pertaining to the cases discussed, as well as a list of books, etc. cited by author (Notes), and a great bibliography of further readings. Only part missing is an index to the book. Highly recommended.
July 8, 2009
A very, very disturbing book that I am glad I own.
I have never been to an autopsy--though I did view that "alien autopsy" that had the world buzzing several years back. I have never seen a rotting corpse or pulled a body out of a fire. I have no desire to see these things first hand.
As a writer of thrillers, though, I often find myself needing to describe these images and worse, and I want to get them right. Enter Body in Question, a book with pictures, descriptions, and scientific explanations. I felt like some of my life was stripped away as I read this book and I do not recommend it to people who simply want to scratch a prurient itch, but I think this book is a very valuable resource for writers.
I have never been to an autopsy--though I did view that "alien autopsy" that had the world buzzing several years back. I have never seen a rotting corpse or pulled a body out of a fire. I have no desire to see these things first hand.
As a writer of thrillers, though, I often find myself needing to describe these images and worse, and I want to get them right. Enter Body in Question, a book with pictures, descriptions, and scientific explanations. I felt like some of my life was stripped away as I read this book and I do not recommend it to people who simply want to scratch a prurient itch, but I think this book is a very valuable resource for writers.
October 17, 2008
WOW! WOW! WOW! Very graphic, mature audiences only! Amazing pictures, stories, details and graphics throughout. Discusses the history of the forensic science and lays out the full scope of the crime scene investigative process: the good, the bad and the ugly. This book is like an encyclopedia, it is replete with information, sure not to disappoint anyone interested in forensics. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. This book is a great tool and a fascinating read.
April 26, 2015
picked this up at an estate sale for three dollars and so happy I did. I'm trained in death investigation, so most is a review. a very fascinating review. it's not for the squeamish. this is a book I will hang on to and only lend out to certain people (they'll have to leave me their first born). highly recommended if you're interested in this sort of thing.
September 5, 2007
The pictures get quite graphic...
July 10, 2008
A great informative book that includes a history of forensics.
June 29, 2013
this book is disturbing and graphic and everything I like about crime.. ...I'm happy to own this book.. I would never loan it out..
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews