Flesh and Bone: An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

by Myriam Nafte

Flesh and Bone offers the reader a solid background in forensic anthropology by out-lining some of the methods and procedures that best define the discipline. It introduces readers to the rapidly growing area known as forensic science, providing a comprehensive look at many of the participants in the field. Nafte avoids technical terminology whenever possible and includes updated photographs, charts, and illustrations to complement the text. The book evolves sequentially, beginning with a discussion of all things forensic, the broad field of anthropology, and the process of death, decomposition, and skeletonization. Chapter Four is a photographic overview and description of the entire human skeleton for reference, followed by a variety of methods of identifying human remains, DNA analysis, and the reconstruction of biological identity. The final chapter deals with the modern application of forensic anthropology to human rights missions. This second edition features many new photos as well as updated information on DNA databases, electronics in the lab, and police services. "I found this book to be a pleasure to read, and I thoroughly recommend it as an excellent text that may be used in introductory courses on the subject, or simply as an interesting volume for use by anyone who might have a personal interest in learning more about this fascinating area of study." ― Roxana Ferllini, University College London, Reviews , on the first edition "It is unique among most available books on this subject, placing forensic anthropology within the broader context of forensic science. In addition to methods of skeletal analysis, the author includes sections on topics such as science and the legal system, the expert witness, chain of custody, the autopsy, and human rights and forensic science… [T]he book should be appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students who are considering careers in forensic science, as well as for forensic scientists who do not have training in forensic anthropology, and as a handy reference for people involved in law enforcement and crime investigation." ― CHOICE Magazine , on the first edition

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Science, Academic, Crime, Textbooks

202 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Simran]

Read this for a forensic anthropology course during uni and I loved it!! We covered most of the topics in class and they were straight from the textbook (granted, I didn't finish the whole textbook since we didn't get to all the topics). Super interesting if you're into forensic anthropology. It includes so much information from states of decay in humans to identifying bones, etc. Such a good read and it's super short which is nice. Can get dry at times, but if you're really interested in the topic then you should be fine!!

[Shubhneet Gill]

Amazing book

[Rose]

I actually really enjoyed this. I would have given it 4 stars if it hadn't dragged in some places. The beginning was a bit slow to get into and near the end was the same. But the rest was fascinating at times and the overall book was very informative.

[Emily]

One of the best Intro to Forensic Anthropology books I've read. It went into more detail than I was expecting, and I thought it covered a great deal of info for how small a book it is.