Just what exactly is written in our bones? Forensic anthropologist Sue Black reveals all.
Written In Bone – the blurb
Drawing upon her years of research and a wealth of remarkable experience, the world-renowned forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black takes us on a journey of revelation. From skull to feet, via the face, spine, chest, arms, hands, pelvis and legs, she shows that each part of us has a tale to tell. What we eat, where we go, everything we do leaves a trace, a message that waits patiently for months, years, sometimes centuries, until a forensic anthropologist is called upon to decipher it.
Some of this information is easily understood, some holds its secrets tight and needs scientific cajoling to be released. But by carefully piecing together the evidence, the facts of a life can be rebuilt.
Limb by limb, case by case – some criminal, some historical, some unaccountably bizarre – Sue Black reconstructs with intimate sensitivity and compassion the hidden stories in what we leave behind.
The hip bones connected to…
I was passed this (very beautiful hardback) by a lovely lady and not wanting to be unpolite and keep it for months before I read it I jumped it to the top of the queue. I don’t know if I would have bought it normally. I don’t have any particular interest in biology and haven’t sat through an episode of Silent Witness yet. Nevertheless the cover grabbed me, the author was local and I felt like I should read it out of politeness. And I’m so pleased I did!
Black, who is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about her subject matter, delivers clear guidance around the skeleton striking the correct balance between scientific and readable. The cases she discusses are entertaining, fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking. It didn’t once feel dry or boring and I kept reading snippets out to my husband which is always a sign I’m enjoying it. Did you know a washed up seal fin is often confused for a human hand? Black has traveled far and wide over the course of her career and the book takes in to account brushes with Royality, celebrities and television programs. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the subject and to be honest to all those who don’t either.