Forensic Anthropology: 2000 to 2010

Advances in our ability to analyse information from skeletal remains and subsequent developments in the field of forensic anthropology make it possible to identify more victims of homicides, mass-fatality disasters, and genocide. Summarizing the vast collection of international literature that has developed over the past decade, Forensic Anthropology: 2000 to 2010 explores critical themes fundamental to this evolving topic. A superior supplemental text for any physical anthropology or archaeology class, this volume provides an ideal starting point for advanced exploration and more detailed analysis of select areas. Each chapter presents an overview of the theme under discussion, identifies present trends in research, and suggests areas in which future research could be developed. Topics discussed include: Age determination in juveniles and adults Sex, race, and ancestry determination Stature determination Dental and facial identification Skeletal trauma and bone pathology Taphonomy and comparative osteology Identification from soft tissues Heavily referenced, each chapter contains extensive bibliographies that facilitate further study. The scope of the book's coverage and the careful presentation of meticulous research make it an essential resource for those seeking deeper exploration of this growing field.

Table of Contents:
Age Determination in the Juvenile. Age Determination in the Adult. Sex Determination. Stature. Race and Ancestry. Dental Identification. Skeletal Trauma. Bone Pathology. Taphonomy. Comparative Osteology. Identification from Soft Tissues. Facial Identification of the Dead. Index.

About the Author :
Sue Black is a professor of anatomy and forensic anthropology and director of the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee. She is a founder and director of the Centre for International Forensic Assistance (CIFA), founder and past president of the British Association for Human Identification, and advisor to the Home Office on issues pertaining to disaster victim identification (DVI). She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, and an honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. She was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001 for her services to forensic anthropology in Kosovo, the Lucy Mair medal for humanitarian services in anthropology, and a police commendation in 2008 for DVI training. Eilidh Ferguson was nominated to be coeditor for this text by her student peers. She graduated with a first-class honours bachelor of science degree in forensic anthropology from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee. Eilidh served as class representative during her period of study at the university, and this is her first venture into publications.

Review :
Forensic Anthropology: 2000 to 2010 is an edited text produced by members of the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee. All major aspects of the subject are covered in the 12 chapters, each of which provide a brief summary and then, most valuably, continued with a list of references published during the last ten years on each topic. Each chapter was initially written by honours students in forensic anthropology and then revised and edited with the cooperation of a specialist member of staff. Thus this is an extremely useful edited reference text, written largely by students, for students, who need up-to-date information for their studies in Forensic Anthropology. -- Louise Scheuer, Forensic Anthropologist and Honorary Chair, University of Dundee, and co-author of Developmental Juvenile Osteology