Salem Press

		An amazing "curriculum" on forensic science. As the creator, adviser, and instructor for a departmental minor in forensic psychology, this reviewer was captivated by this set, from the table of contents to the final index. The word "curriculum" appears in the opening sentence of this review for a reason. This publication could—perhaps should—be used to design an entire program in forensic science.

Choice - American Library Association - Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, founded in 1964, is a publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. Choice's primary mission is to assist librarians who build collections at the undergraduate level by providing concise but critical reviews of current scholarly books and electronic resources.

April 2009

Reference \ Social & Behavioral Sciences
Forensic science: v.1: Accelerants-DNA database controversies; v.2: DNA extraction-mycotoxins; v.3: Napoleon's death-Y chromosome analysis, appendixes, indexes ed. by Ayn Embar-Seddon and Allan D. Pass. Salem Press, 2009. 3v bibl indexes afp; ISBN 9781587654237, $364.00

In three volumes, Embar-Seddon and Pass have compiled an amazing "curriculum" on forensic science. As the creator, adviser, and instructor for a departmental minor in forensic psychology, this reviewer was captivated by this set, from the table of contents to the final index. The word "curriculum" appears in the opening sentence of this review for a reason. This publication could—perhaps should—be used to design an entire program in forensic science. One need only add laboratory-based courses to demonstrate the skills and technology to accompany the content. This work provides faculty members with answers to the forensic science questions that criminal justice majors often ask. Indeed, it seems an essential component of any curriculum in forensic science, forensic anthropology, or forensic psychology. The volume is presented in an encyclopedia format that allows readers to easily locate needed material. The concise entries blend factual material with real-world examples. In addition, the indexes, guide to Internet resources, comparison of television programs, time line, list of key figures in forensic science, and bibliographic sections make this an indispensable resource for faculty wishing to connect with students who have migrated to forensic science/psychology in the first place because of television shows. It will help students work forward from that interest and locate additional resources.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Forensic anthropology / psychology / science programs supporting lower-level undergraduates through faculty / researchers.

- R. E. Osborne
Texas State University—San Marcos