Talking Bones: The Science of Forensic Anthropology

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.