Immensely interesting, very well-documented, I think it's a book everyone interested in crime novels should read (although everyone could be caught in this book should you give it a try)

The methods used by Sherlock Holmes were not science fiction. Holmes methods were often the cutting edge technology of the time. Fascinating.

For anyone who's interested in the history of forensic science, and its capabilities, this is an excellent book to read. It's a great introduction for curious laypeople or students, as well.

This book was very informative, if you are a fan of detection literature or TV. The author uses the stories of Conan Doyle as a jumping off point to get into the history of the science of detection.

The book is definitely for a novice or someone who does not have a background in forensic science. Everything is laid out very well and is easily understandable by a layman. Wagner does talk about the big crimes and discusses how emerging science either helped, or hindered, the detection process. Worthwhile if you enjoy criminal history.

This was an interesting look about Forensics in the past. Sherlock Holmes was used more as a comparison point than really having a huge deal in the book, but it was still a good read. The only thing is that I wish there was some sort of conclusion piece at the ending. It just stopped and that felt odd.

I love Sherlock Holmes. As I've mentioned on this blog before, my dog is even named Sherlock! I will pretty much read absolutely anything about the Great Detective, from canon to modernized fictional takes to non-fiction analysis. And I always have high hopes for every book on Holmes I read, that it can do justice to my favorite fictional character and the world Doyle created around him.

Luckily, The Science of Sherlock Holmes is a unique and well-written addition to the multitudes of Sherlock Holmes' books out there. Wagner takes a non-fiction approach to analysis of the canon, specifically through the lens of science and forensics.

Using both Holmes' cases and true crime from around the world, Wagner explores the history and development of forensic science throughout the ages. Everything from fingerprints to blood analysis is covered, and Wagner expertly weaves in Holmes' quotes and true crime tales to highlight and explain.

This is a book for fans of Sherlock Holmes, forensics, true crime, and just really interesting non-fiction reads.

The Science of Sherlock Holmes, E.J. Wagner, 2006, ISBN 9780471648796

In the late 1800s, forensic science was in its infancy. At the time, in England, there was no /legal/ way for physicians to acquire cadavers, to study anatomy. So they resorted to robbing graves, or paying others to do so. Some enterprising individuals realized they needn't trouble to dig up a corpse, and could provide the client physician with precisely the age, sex, and condition cadaver required. After all, the raw material is walking around!

Really interesting read! It is more about case histories than Holmes, but it is a nice collection of the influences that Doyle obviously pulled from when conjuring up his super sleuth.

Worth the quick read!

This is really around a 4.5. This book had a great idea with trying to use Sherlock Holmes as a jumping off point for introductions to different Victorian forensic and criminal investigation techniques, but sometimes, the launchpad was pretty chunky. That being said, this book is invaluable for the history-loving criminal justice major or the Sherlock Holmes fanfic writer. It's well-researched and written in an approachable manner. It's a good reference book!

Very interesting and entertaining for those who are addicted to Sherlock Holmes stories. Many forensic tools and techniques that are common today had not yet been developed when Conan Doyle made use of them in one of the stories, e.e. toxicology, fingerprinting, knowledge of insect life cycles to prove time of death, etc.

dicari! :D

Wagner examines the world from which the Sherlock Holmes stories emerged, and how the science of detection, and criminology in general, has progressed since that time. An engrossing and fascinating look at what the Great Detective knew, and when he knew it.

Full review here: https://bibliomaneblog.wordpress.com/...