The forensic historian : using science to reexamine the past / Robert C. Williams.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Williams, Robert Chadwell, 1938- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Historiography--Methodology--Case studies.

Historiography.

Forensic sciences--Case studies.

Forensic sciences.

World history.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (158 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Routledge, 2015.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Modern forensic science has significantly affected historical debate over some well-known past crimes or mysteries, utilizing modern DNA, nuclear, and chemical analyses to reexamine the past. This book takes an in-depth look at 20 significant cases where investigators have applied new forensic techniques to confirm, dispute, or revise accepted historical accounts. Among the cases included are the murder of King Tut, the validity of the Vinland Map, the authenticity of the Hitler diaries, Joan of Arc's ashes, the bones of Anastasia, arsenic and the death of Napoleon, and the dating of the Shrou

Contents:

1. Introduction : scope of evidence

2. Faking it : chemistry and forgery

3. Atomic evidence

4. A question of identity : from bones to DNA fingerprinting

5. Not-so-cold cases

6. Conclusion : modern forensics and historical revision.

Notes:

First published 2013 by M.E. Sharpe.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-317-45679-3

0-7656-3662-X

1-317-45680-7

1-315-69975-3

9781315699752

OCLC:

923712275