Book Review: Fingerprints: The Origins of Crime Detection and the Murder Case That Launched Forensic Science

Reviewed By: Webspinner - RAM

Fingerprints: The Origins of Crime Detection and the Murder Case That Launched Forensic Science     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Colin Beavan
Class/Genre:   Non-Fiction   Mystery   True Crime   Reference   Forensics   Historical
Hyperion; Apr. 2001; $22.95; 232 pp

Imagine police work before fingerprinting. Now there's not a happy thought, if you happen to be on the right side of law and order!

Colin Beavan takes us back through time to pre-1900 and traces the efforts of Dr. Henry Faulds, Francis Galton, Edward Henry and others to find a reliable method of identifying "repeat offenders" within the criminal justice system. By combining true crime, a study of law enforcement, and insights into the personalities of several scientists of the time, Mr. Beavan has written a fascinating manuscript that details the beginnings of the forensic sciences, and spotlights a previously disregarded scientist with the credit he deserves. Mr. Beavan captivates his audience with the stories of past crimes and trials, which read like modern day fictional mysteries. A "must-read" for mystery fans of all genres!

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