Bones

* Reviews *

Latta has degrees in Microbiology and Immunology, as well as an MFA in Creative Writing, and is eminently qualified to author this volume. Her premise is that "all bones tell a story—you just have to know how to read them." She discusses how forensic anthropologists solve both modern and ancient crimes. The book contains seven chapters, an 18-item Glossary, Further Reading (9 books and 4 Internet sites). and 32 color images (no objectionable pictures). There are five stories: "An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology," focusing on victims of Hurricane Katrina, and age and sex determination. "The Murderous Beginnings of Forensic Anthropology" considers murders in Boston (1849) and Chicago (1893). "The Body Farm" documents current research on the decomposition of donated corpses at the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility, introducing concepts of autopsies and pathology, the Forensic Science Data Base, and new studies on a Neanderthal from Shanidar Cave, Iraq. In "Human Rights," Argentina's "Dirty War" (1976-1983) centers on 8,961 disappeared ones" (desparecidos) adult murders and child/neonate kidnappings by employing dental records and X-rays. "Cold Cases" reveals World War II Nazi atrocities and the recovery and identification of an American pilot from the Vietnam War through DNA analyses. "When Disaster Strikes" emphasizes terrorist attacks in Oklahoma City and the World Trade Center, New York City. A final chapter provides a list of 11 selected schools offering training in forensic anthropology. Mature young readers will be intrigued by this pioneering volume., Science Books & Films March 2014