Rating: 
Summary: Forensic Art and Illustration; Impressive!
Review: The impressive size of the book indicates the thorough coverage of all the diverse aspects of facial reconstruction in forensics. Every work step and work background is described extensively, and detailed descriptions of specific cases are given. Even those who are more interested in the artistic than the forensic side, will receive much: there is more on the essence and basics of human faces than in most art and school books. For the practitioner and any one interested in the achievements of the field; however, this book is a new standard!
Rating:
Summary: Nothing like it
Review: As a mystery writer I have to keep up to date with forensic developments, which can get pretty expensive--good forensic resources cost a lot more than mysteries. Forensic Art and Illustration is no exception in that regard, but it's more than worth the price because it's the only book on the subject I can imagine needing for the next decade or two. It covers simply everything, and even manages to do it in an interesting, extremely well-written manner. I actually found myself sitting down and reading it just for pleasure. A perfectly superb piece of work.
Rating:
Summary: A MASTERPIECE
Review: Finally, the definitive forensic art text has been written. Masterfully crafted, Karen T. Taylor's book, Forensic Art and Illustration is destined to become the canon of this genre. From the history of forensic art to courtroom demeanor, this book reads as though you are sitting next to Ms. Taylor and she has decided to reveal the secrets of the forensic art universe over a cup of tea. She does it all: composite art, two-dimensional and three-dimensional facial reconstruction, postmortem drawings, superimposition and age progression. All of these techniques are related in concise, descriptive terminology that is accompanied by spectacular graphics. Karen T. Taylor's professional and ethical approach to an artist's role in an investigation is the embodiment of perfection. This book encompasses the collective consciousness of the forensic art world, creating an encyclopedia for the artist and non-artist alike. Generations to come will study this text, and no artist will be able to claim he or she is properly trained without having studied with Karen or from her book. Forensic Art and Illustration is seamless and brilliant.
Rating:
Summary: The refernce book no Forensic Artist should be without !
Review: This is the ultimate reference book for anyone associated with or interested in Forensic Art. The author covers every aspect of this extensive subject and unselfishly shares her wealth of knowledge and experience. The work has obviously been extremely well researched and you'll have every confidence in relying on it's content. You will find yourself referring to it's clear and concise text and illustration time and time again - for me, as a Forensic Police Artist, it has become my 'bible'. This book was long overdue and is an invaluable aid for any practitioner in this field.
Rating:
Summary: A teacher's point of view
Review: While Karen Taylor's book is an excellent resource for forensic artists, it is also an amazing contribution for portrait artists and teachers of art at high school and adult levels. As such, it reaches beyond the audience of original intent to enrich still another professional group as well. The author provides detailed information on drawing the human head with excellent supportive illustrations of the variations of facial anatomy and with specific and careful regard for the many variations of gender and ethnicity. This basic framework is followed by a comprehensive instructional section that covers materials, styles, and lighting, facial proportions, features, hair and accessories. A special chapter is co-authored with Betty Pat. Gatliff, an expert in three-dimensional facial reconstruction. Using the skull as the base, this section includes detailed, step-by-step illustrations and process information for understanding the relationships of bone, muscle, soft tissue and skin. The combination of technical and artistic components contributes significantly to the understanding of differences and similarities between portrait drawing and portrait sculpture. This book is a rich resource that generously informs readers about the history, breadth and potentials of forensic art as a profession. It also provides fascinating, detailed and richly illustrated data on facial expressions and age progression as components of the human condition. Special sections on standards, ethics and trends toward technological applications provide glimpses of the tremendous responsibilities and potentials for the role of the forensic artist in society. Karen T. Taylor has given an amazing gift of knowledge to us all with her depth of experience and passion for this work. Forensic Art and Illustration amply reflects and supports the highest standards for forensic art instruction. Indeed, a new standard has been set, one that should hold for quite some time and serve to challenge the profession.
Rating:
Summary: Forensic Art and Illustration
Review: Being a forensic artist myself and having the the opportunity to have received instruction from Ms. Taylor, I looked forward to the publishing of "FORENSIC ART AND ILLUSTRATION" with great anticipation. Suffice to say, I was not disappointed! Ms. Taylor's book is thorough, thoughtful, enlightening and a MUST tool for any forensic artist! It was easy to read and understand, provided excellent references and is a valuable addition to my forensic text library. I highly recommend this book to all forensic artists and believe a lay person can get a lot out of this book as well!
Rating:
Summary: Buy This Book
Review: I am a Police Officer, fingerprint examiner and composite artist and also possess a degree in psychology. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, cover to cover. This book is Karen Taylor's, but in many ways it belongs to all of us in the field of forensic art and illustration, because we now have one excellent source to refer to when needed. The documentation and references compiled here are immense. This is not a self-glorifying autobiography, or fodder for a made-for-tv movie. You won't see Ms. Taylor on Lifetime's Intimate Portrait. This book is Karen's masterpiece, a gift to all who toil in the trenches of police investigations.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for forensic artists
Review: As a 20 year veteran of law enforcement and two years as a forensic sketch artist, I found this to be a very comprehensive text book to enhance my skills as a forensic sketch artist. For the forensic artist, this book is a must. It complements any forensic sketch class you may attend. Karen's book covers it all. She knew what was needed and did a great job of putting the information together in a well thought out book. I believe it will become the 'bible' of the forensic sketch artist.
Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate in Forensic Illustration
Review: This is THE ONLY complete source on the subject of forensic illustration available today. Karen T. Taylor is not only artistically talented, but she can explain, communicate and relate her science so the lay person can fully understand and appreciate the art of forensic illustration. In today's computer world, it is important to understand that when it comes to composite drawings of criminals, etc., there is nothing better than the human hand and the art of listening, hearing and communicating to get across what is necessary to complete a true and accurate composite. Karen T. Taylor can take you there in this well-done and extensive source of forensic illustration. It is a must for every potential police sketch artist and every law enforcement agency!
Rating:
Summary: Forensic Art A to Z
Review: This book is more that a mere introduction to forensic art. It is a comprenhensive source for forensic art information whether just thinking about getting started in the field, or a seasoned veteran. "Forensic Art and Illustration" will no doubt be the bible of forensic artists for many, many years to come.
| 
