Forensic History: Crimes, Frauds, and Scandals

By: Elizabeth A. Murray, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Elizabeth A. Murray

Modern history is filled with terrible crimes, baffling hoaxes, and seedy scandals. The infamous Jack the Ripper slayings. The alleged survival of Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of the murdered Tsar. Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong's public fall from grace. The Chicago Tylenol poisonings and the copycat crimes that followed.

Step into the world of forensic science and study the most fascinating crimes and mysteries from the last two centuries in the 24 lectures of Forensic History: Crimes, Frauds, and Scandals. Professor Murray, a forensic anthropologist with nearly 30 years of experience in the field, has crafted lectures that are a remarkable blend of storytelling and science - a whirlwind tour that takes you from the gas-lit streets of Victorian London to small-town America. As you journey around the world and into the past, you'll re-examine modern history's great crimes and scandals using the tools and insights of forensic science. In doing so, you'll learn how cutting-edge advancements in science and technology are applied to investigations and how to evaluate evidence and think like a forensic scientist.

Using her extensive background in the field and her skill at weaving riveting stories, Professor Murray invites you peer over the shoulders of investigators as they examine some of the most famous crimes in history, as well as cases that shed light on what happens when the justice system goes awry. Whether they're controversial or by-the-book, solved or unsolved, hot or cold, these cases are an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the historic and cutting-edge methods and tools forensic scientists use on the job. Having participated in hundreds of investigations in America and abroad, Professor Murray intersperses these historical examinations with some of her own, equally intriguing, personal experiences.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2014 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2014 The Great Courses

Lecture Series Lacks Forensic Insight Depth

I found this lecture series somewhat disappointing. While some chapters were distressingly graphic, my main issue was the lack of in-depth exploration into forensic science and technology. I had hoped the book would delve into how these disciplines help decipher the messages that killers may be trying to convey through the methods they use to murder their victims. Instead, the content offered a historical overview of various solved and unsolved crimes, with details that seemed no more comprehensive than one might find on Wikipedia. Although Dr. Murray's narration was clear and her voice quite pleasant, the book ultimately left me wanting a richer, more detailed examination of forensic insights and their applications in solving criminal cases.

very interesting look into forensic science

forensic science has come a long way. this lecture had me looking up cases and binge watching forensic files

Fascinating

Great lecturer and interesting subject. The professor made the subject come alive. She is professional and compassionate and is directly involved with forensics.

Great history of forensic science in action

I liked the variety of types of example crime cases used to illustrate each forensic method. From the Ripper to modern cyber crimes, the author, a noted forensic anthropologist in her own right, uses easy to understand explanations to explore how forensics helped solve crimes. A very enjoyable read.

Forensic History

Great book! Highly recommended! She covers the subjects very well & makes one to continue without taking a break.