Introduction to Forensic Anthropology: A Textbook

by Steven N. Byers

Comprehensive and engaging, Stephen Byers leaves readers rejoicing in the thoughtful pedagogy that leads them step by step through the most current and detailed explanation of forensic anthropology to date! This one-of-a-kind source offers comprehensive coverage of all the major topics in the field of forensics with accuracy, intensity, and clarity. Following the protocol developed for the field by Clyde Snow in his 1982 article in the Annual Review of Anthropology, this cutting-edge text includes coverage of all areas in the field. Extensive illustrations and photos ensure that the book is accessible to all levels of readers. New material through out this Second Edition takes the reader to the next level of anaylsis, expanding their understanding of what samples can reveal about their source. As one reviewer says, “There is no other source available that is so comprehensive in its coverage of the methods and issues in the current practice of forensic anthropology.” Another raves, “The first edition has been a big hit with my students, and I have been very pleased with the ease with which this text has corresponded to my class lecture structure . . . I am anxiously awaiting the second edition!”

Genres: Anthropology, Science, Nonfiction, Textbooks, College, Academic, Biology

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Brian Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a total lay person with regards to both anthropology and forensics, I found this to be a fascinating book. Obviously meant as a text book for university students, I still found it very interesting. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn the intricate details of the science behind TV shows such as 'Bones' and 'CSI', or any number of crime fiction books.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope I‘m not too alone in this but reading a textbook for fun can make a cool and informative experience…especially if it‘s all about deciphering bones and their context to figure out who died where and how! Forensic anthropologists are called in to identify a body/answer a legal question when there‘s not enough remaining soft tissue for a medical examiner to come to any satisfying conclusions. The breadth and scope of their field is fascinating: they can be involved in anything from restoration of a skeleton of historical significance, to helping identify victims of mass disasters, to working with human rights organizations in determining whether an act of genocide has occurred.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite textbooks. I read it cover to cover. Very readable. I liked the little (true) stories (2 per chapter) illustrating the material they were covering.

Sometimes things may get dense or you may need some more background knowledge but that is easily solved with google.

[Dejanira Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I'll finish this in may*

[DAVE]

beautiful

[Lindsey Romig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was perfect for my research project.

[Sara Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also really useful.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is a textbook, it is very interesting and pretty easy to read and understand. The author explains things in a couple of ways to help readers get a complete picture of the lesson she is teaching. It begins with an anatomy lesson, which anyone in the field should be familiar with and then goes on into a forensic anthropologist's jobs and how to do them.

Overall this is a very good, concise textbook. Anyone new to the forensic anthropology field would be of interest to read this book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellently written text which I am reading as part of a Forensic Anthropology unit at university. It has a North American focus but as an Australian student, I received plenty of relevant information.

The text is easy to read and I found the information stuck in my mind easily. Each chapter includes a dot point summary and review questions.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating introduction to the methods used by forensic anthropologists. Exercises at the end of each chapter allow the reader to practice the application of the methods presented. I also enjoyed the interesting case studies inserted throughout the book.

[Benjamin Plume · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most concise textbooks I had in Anthropology courses.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a Methods book on Forensic Anthropology

[Mohamed Mohamed]

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