Book
Hidden evidence : the story of forensic science and how it helped to solve 50 of the world's toughest crimes / David Owen.
Record details
- ISBN: 9781554075409 (pbk.) :
- Physical Description: 288 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 26 cm.
- Edition: Rev. 2nd ed.
- Publisher: Richmond Hill, Ont. : Firefly Books, c2009.
Content descriptions
| General Note: | "50 true crimes and how forensic science helped solve them"--Subtitle on cover. Includes index. |
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Crime. Criminal investigation. Forensic sciences. |
- Baker & Taylor
The development of forensic science in solving crimes, with real-life case examples. - Baker & Taylor
Looks at the role of forensic science in criminal investigations and examines fifty high-profile cases and the diverse technologies used to solve them, including fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, DNA testing, and toxicology. - Book News
A former BBC program producer/director and British newspaper journalist, Owen now works as a freelance scientific writer and is the author of several books. He presents an updated discussion of the development and evolution of the techniques and technologies used in forensic criminal investigation, from the recognition of the uniqueness of fingerprints some 3,000 years ago in ancient China to the present-day use of computerized DNA analysis. Each chapter contains several case studies of well-known crimes, the majority from the US and Europe. The number of case studies has increased from the original 40 case studies of the 2000 edition to 50 for the second edition, including the 2002 Washington, DC snipers and the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The volume is suitable as a supplementary text for students and professionals in forensic science and criminology, and for interested general readers. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) - Firefly Books Ltd
This revised and updated history of forensics is expanded to included eight recent high-profile cases. - Firefly Books Ltd
"This is a monumental work."-- Science Books and Films (on the first edition)
"The writing is lively but succinct, complete without being morbid. The illustrations and photos complement the text and go a long way in explaining sophisticated techniques... Highly recommended for public libraries."-- Library Journal (on the first edition)
This revised and updated history of forensics is expanded to include eight recent high-profile cases. David Owen takes readers to the scenes of 50 infamous crimes and provides detailed accounts of the scientific procedures used to catch criminals.
The high-profile cases range from as early as 1775, when Paul Revere used dentures to identify a slain soldier, to as recent as the tragic disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Most cases will be familiar to readers, such as the Lindbergh kidnapping, the Kennedy investigation and Ted Bundy.
The book describes the established forensic methods -- dental records, ballistics, toxicology, hair sampling and blood typing -- and covers the latest technologies, including:
- Computerized fingerprinting and handwriting analysis
- Mass DNA testing and digital DNA analysis
- Familial searching and DNA screening
- Fiber and paint databases
- Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
- Compound and electron microscopes.
Hidden Evidence presents the facts and steers clear of speculation. The book is comprehensive in scope, thoroughly researched and expertly compiled -- a timely update of a fascinating book that will attract a wide range of readers.
