Forensic Anthropology
Current Methods and Practice
📘 About This Book
Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice—winner of a 2015 Textbook Excellence Award (Texty) from The Text and Academic Authors Association—approaches forensic anthropology through an innovative style using current practices and real case studies drawn from the varied experiences, backgrounds, and practices of working forensic anthropologists. This text guides the reader through all aspects of human remains recovery and forensic anthropological analysis, presenting principles at a level that is appropriate for those new to the field, while at the same time incorporating evolutionary, biomechanical, and other theoretical foundations for the features and phenomena encountered in forensic anthropological casework. Attention is focused primarily on the most recent and scientifically valid applications commonly employed by working forensic anthropologists. Readers will therefore learn about innovative techniques in the discipline, and aspiring practitioners will be prepared by understanding the necessary background needed to work in the field today. Instructors and students will find Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice comprehensive, practical, and relevant to the modern discipline of forensic anthropology. - Winner of a 2015 Most Promising New Textbook Award from the Text and Academic Authors Association - Focuses on modern methods, recent advances in research and technology, and current challenges in the science of forensic anthropology - Addresses issues of international relevance such as the role of forensic anthropology in mass disaster response and human rights investigations - Includes chapter summaries, topicoriented case studies, keywords, and reflective questions to increase active student learning
📖 Summary
Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice, authored by Angi M. Christensen and published in 2013, serves as an award-winning, comprehensive guide to the specialized field of forensic anthropology. Spanning 465 pages, the book approaches its subject matter through an innovative style that blends current professional practices with real-world case studies. These examples are drawn directly from the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and active caseloads of working forensic anthropologists, giving readers a genuine sense of what day-to-day casework entails. The text is meticulously structured to guide learners through every single aspect of human remains recovery and forensic anthropological analysis. It successfully bridges the gap between foundational education and advanced application by presenting core principles at an accessible level for beginners while simultaneously incorporating robust theoretical foundations. Readers will find deep dives into evolutionary, biomechanical, and other scientific concepts that explain the physical features and biological phenomena encountered during human skeletal analysis in legal and investigative contexts. Furthermore, the volume places a heavy emphasis on the most modern, scientifically validated methodologies utilized in the field. By grounding theoretical concepts in practical applications and actual casework, the book prepares students and practitioners to handle the complexities of legal investigations involving human remains. It stands as a vital resource within the intersection of science and the law, recognized for its educational excellence and rigorous approach to modern forensic science techniques.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Incorporates real case studies from working professionals
Balances foundational concepts with advanced theoretical frameworks
Focuses heavily on recent and scientifically valid methods
Provides comprehensive guidance on human remains recovery
⚠️ Cons
Dense academic material may require dedicated study time
Specialized focus limits general interest reading appeal
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of the book? +
The book was authored by Angi M. Christensen.
When was Forensic Anthropology published? +
It was published in 2013.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book spans 465 pages.
What major award did the book win? +
It won a 2015 Textbook Excellence Award from The Text and Academic Authors Association.
What genres is the book associated with? +
The book falls primarily under the law and scientific education genres.





