Crime and Circumstance: Investigating the History of Forensic Science (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780313353864)

Today, there is more interest in forensic science than ever before. Crime and Circumstance weaves an intriguing tale of how an obscure corner of medicine dating back to ancient times matured into modern forensic science. The author explores the scientific and social threads that created forensic science and continue to drive its evolution in an entertaining narrative that introduces readers to intriguing cases and personalities across history, countries, and cultures and helps readers translate what they encounter in popular media into the reality of forensic science and laboratory investigation.

Through historical and contemporary examples, Bell illustrates how cutting-edge research migrates to forensic laboratories, a transfer that is more indirect than people might expect. Although science and the judicial system both pursue truth, the interface between them is anything but seamless. This unique historical approach focuses on personalities from scientific law enforcement and emphasizes the myriad discoveries made over the years. Through these stories, the reader is introduced to the underlying science in an interesting, lively, and accessible way.

Author: Suzanne Bell
ISBN-10: 0313353867
ISBN-13: 9780313353864
Publisher: Praeger
Language: English
Published: 06/01/2008
Pages: 272
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.50w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 11/01/2008 pg. 167