Written in Blood: A History of Forensic Detection - Tapa blanda

The first recorded scientific examination of a corpse was carried out by a Roman doctor called Atistius on the murdered Julius Caesar, but it was not until the 19th century that the history of scientific crime detection really began. The author charts the rise and development of forensic detection in fascinating, gruesome detail, covering, among other subjects, forensic toxology, ballistics, sexual criminology and the latest advances in forensic investigation techniques, including genetic fingerprinting and psychological profiling.

'Written in Blood' charts the rise and development of forensic development of forensic detection from poisoners in ancient Rome to modern serial murders. In fascinating and gruesome detail, it covers many aspects of modern investigation techniques such as forensic toxicology, sexual criminology, blood serology, genetic fingerprinting and psychological profiling.

The book presents a gripping catalogue of crimes solved by people with an infinite capacity for taking pains and a growing armoury of scientific discoveries and technical aids. A grisly panorama of case studies shows that it is often the tiniest scraps of evidence that lead to momentous results – for example the murder of Nancy Titterton was betrayed by a single horsehair.

Colin Wilson examines in depth the surprisingly modern phenomenon of serial sex crime, including the notorious cases of Jack the Ripper, the Moors murderers, Charles Manson and Peter Sutcliffe.

From the mystery of murder to the mystery of crime detection, 'Written in Blood' is an authoritative and compelling work that will fascinate the expert criminologist and the general reader alike.

‘He has made himself the Philosopher-King of forensic speculation, the Diderot of path labs’
TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT